As part of Knife Crime Awareness Week, Barking and Dagenham Council and the Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Team has re-launched the MOPAC Responsible Retailer Agreement Scheme for the selling of knives.
This vital initiative reinforces the council’s zero-tolerance stance on the sale of knives to underage individuals. By signing the agreement, local retailers are making a clear and public commitment to help keep knives out of the hands of young people and to contribute to safer communities.
As part of the relaunch, participating businesses will receive:
- Comprehensive training and support materials
- Certificates for public display, showcasing their community commitment
- Opportunities for recognition and business promotion
Within in two days 18 premises have already signed up and the Trading Standards team will be working hard over the coming weeks to increase participation.
Barking and Dagenham Council has a strong track record of enforcement regarding underage knife sales. In 2018, a B&M store was fined nearly £500,000 for selling a knife to a 14-year-old after failing to do effective age checks.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “This scheme is about more than compliance, it’s about community responsibility. Retailers are on the front line, and their partnership is crucial in tackling knife crime locally.
“We’re sending a clear message, if you sell knives irresponsibly, there will be consequences.”
Superintendent Biju Premnath said: "We’re committed to working in partnership with the council and local businesses to ensure responsible knife sales and prevent dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands.
“Retailers play a crucial role in preventing knife crime and by relaunching this scheme, we’re strengthening our collective efforts to keep communities safe."
If a business would like to sign up to the scheme, they should contact Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards team by emailing tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.