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Operation Spectre

Published: 26/03/2019

Flintshire County Council Trading Standards took part in Operation Sceptre during a National week of action against knife crime.

The Operation involved working in partnership with North Wales Police and sixteen year old police cadets who were sent into stores across the County in an attempt to test purchase knives. It is illegal to sell a knife or similar bladed article to a person under eighteen, the penalty for which can lead to a substantial fine or imprisonment.

During the operation, knives were sold to the cadets at three stores. These stores have since been revisited by Trading Standards Officers and advised of their legal obligations, with a follow-up joint test purchase exercise planned where any further sales will result in formal enforcement action being taken.

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, Councillor Chris Bithell, said:

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents across Flintshire is a priority for the Council and the prevention of knife crime and its effects on individuals, families and communities continues to be a priority area of work for the council and its partners.

“Although knife crime in Flintshire is very rare it can have a detrimental effect on our communities. It is important that Local Authorities work alongside the Police to give a clear message that non-compliance with the law will not be tolerated.”