Shops get knives message

Dec 1 2008 by Andrew Hirst, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SHOPKEEPERS in Kirklees have got the message not to sell knives to youngsters.

Police have carried out special operations to see if the shops would sell the weapons to a 14-year-old boy.

All 16 of them asked his age and turned him away.

Eight were in Huddersfield with the rest in Dewsbury and Batley. It is illegal to sell a knife to anyone aged under 16.

Sgt Dave Stainthorpe said: “This sends out an extremely positive message that retailers are playing their part in stopping young people buying and subsequently carrying knives.

Further test purchase operations are planned.