The Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (LVRN) with Lancashire Trading Standards, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), hosted a Responsible Retailer Knife Crime event on Tuesday 11th November. The event brought together local retailers, community safety professionals, police representatives, and youth services to promote responsible knife sales and strengthen joint efforts to reduce serious violence across Lancashire.
The ‘Responsible Retailer’ scheme for knife sellers, is a voluntary initiative that supports retailers with e-learning, posters, till prompts, safe sale guidance, and age verification toolkits. Since the scheme began, over 200 retailers across Lancashire have signed up, using the scheme to enhance their reputation, build trust with customers, strengthen relationships with Trading Standards and the police, and actively contribute to safeguarding young people.
A dedicated database of all knife retailers in Lancashire has also been developed, enabling targeted support and intelligence-led test purchasing. Early results have been impressive, test purchasing in Fylde, Wyre, and Ribble Valley has achieved a 100% refusal rate for sales to under-18s.
Opening the event, Councillor Roberts spoke about the importance of partnership working and the key role that local businesses play in safeguarding communities. He praised the collaboration between retailers, the police, Trading Standards and wider partners, recognising how shared action is helping to make Lancashire a safer, more resilient county.
Chief Inspector Gemma Barr, VRN Operational Lead, said: “Retailers are a vital part of our community and play an essential role in preventing knives from reaching the wrong hands. Events like this show how partnership working makes a real difference, bringing together businesses, enforcement teams and community partners to share good practice and strengthen our collective response to serious violence. Through the Violence Reduction Network, we’re continuing to build those relationships and invest in prevention, helping to protect young people and make Lancashire a safer place for everyone.”
Closing the event, Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Knife crime isn’t an issue policing can solve in isolation. It is a problem we can only address by working in partnership, learning from each other and educating residents, businesses, and young people across Lancashire. It’s really encouraging to hear about the successful work carried out by the Trading Standards Team to prevent knives from being sold to underage people in the first place.
“My Office has recently taken over governance of the Violence Reduction Network, and I am really impressed by the ongoing work to engage and support young people, educating them around the dangers of carrying knives. Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan for Lancashire and I will continue to work closely with the Constabulary and our partners to ensure that tackling knife crime remains a key focus as part of this.”
Andrea Teasdale, Senior Officer Public Health Response added: “Lancashire County Council Trading Standards would like to thank all partners and services who supported the Responsible Retailer Knife event. The strong sense of commitment and collaboration in tackling knife crime and creating safer communities was truly evident. Trading Standards plays a vital role in helping retailers meet legal obligations and apply due diligence in their practices, ensuring compliance and promoting responsible sales. The event reinforced that the Responsible Retailer scheme is a key initiative, enabling businesses to adopt safer selling and storage practices and Check 25 to prevent knives being sold to under-18s.”
For details on how to join the Responsible Retailer Scheme visit: www.lancashire.gov.uk/lancan/check-25
