On the eve of the festive period, Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards carried out an underage test-purchasing exercise at premises selling knives across the borough - and every business tested passed.

This great result shows how seriously our local shops take their responsibility to keep young people safe.

Alongside underage test purchasers, officers visited multiple stores to ensure knives and bladed articles were not sold to anyone under 18, and the results show that businesses are taking their responsibilities seriously.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Preventing the sale of knives to under-18s is a vital part of reducing the risk of harm in our communities. We’re pleased to see businesses working with us to uphold the law and protect young people. Together, we can make Barking and Dagenham a safer place for everyone.”

Trading Standards is reminding businesses to continue following best practice:

• Display the required age restriction poster prominently
• Keep knives and bladed articles securely out of reach
• Provide regular refresher training for staff
• Maintain an up-to-date refusals register

If residents have any age-related concerns about a business in Barking and Dagenham, they should report it to Trading Standards at tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk or contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.