Wiltshire Police have revealed that several retailers failed knife sales test-purchase operations during a week of action aimed at tackling knife-related violence across the county.
The activity formed part of Operation Sceptre, a national campaign focused on reducing knife crime through enforcement, education and prevention.
Alongside weapon sweeps and retailer checks, the force launched two new countywide initiatives: the Wiltshire Police Bleed Kit Partnership and a pilot Safer Knives replacement scheme.
The latter, funded through the Drug Forfeiture Fund with support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, allows households considered at greater risk of knife-related harm to exchange traditional pointed kitchen knives for specially designed rounded alternatives.
Superintendent Mike Vass said the week had been focused on proactive measures designed to improve public safety.
“We’ve had a really busy week of proactive, preventative work with the launch of the Bleed Kit Partnership and the Safer Knives scheme,” he said.
“Both initiatives should have a positive impact on our communities and reflect our commitment to tackling knife crime in Wiltshire.”
Retailers fail test purchases
Police cadets assisted officers in a series of test-purchase operations across the county to assess whether businesses were correctly applying the Challenge 25 policy when selling knives.
The results showed significant failures in some areas.
In Trowbridge, six businesses were visited, with only two refusing sales appropriately. Four retailers sold knives to young cadets without requesting proof of age.
In Devizes, two of the three shops tested failed the checks, while in the Tidworth and Amesbury area one business also failed.
Lianna Bradshaw, Wiltshire Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspot Manager, described the findings as disappointing.
“It’s really disappointing to hear a number of retailers failed to uphold the Challenge 25 policy,” she said.
“It shows that more needs to be done to ensure retailers are aware of the important role they play in helping us tackle knife crime and ensuring knives sold unlawfully do not end up in the hands of young people.”
She added that police would continue working with businesses throughout the year to improve compliance and awareness.
Schools and youth engagement
As part of the campaign, officers visited schools and colleges including Bradon Forest School in Purton, New College Swindon and Salisbury College, using a knife detection arch and speaking to students about the risks associated with carrying weapons.
Officers also attended the Roots & Shoots youth football initiative in Devizes to discuss knife crime and personal safety with young people.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said partnership working was vital in preventing violence before it occurs.
“Whether it’s providing life-saving bleed kits or encouraging safer choices in the home, these are practical steps that can make a real difference,” he said.
He also described the retailer test-purchase results as concerning, adding that businesses have a responsibility to prevent knives being sold to young people.
Wiltshire Police say further enforcement and education work will continue throughout the year as part of ongoing efforts to reduce knife-related harm across the county.
