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A thirteen-year-old was sold three knives by three separate traders, all within three hours.
Newham Council organised a sting operation in a bid to tackle underage sales and knife crime. It followed complaints by residents who were concerned that young people were buying age-restricted goods.
The volunteer test purchaser went into two shops in Green Street, Upton Park on Saturday (October 25). One trader refused the sale, however, another shop sold him a knife with a retractable blade for just £1.
He then went to Romford Road, Manor Park, where he bought a further two knives from two shops.
All the targeted premises had previously been visited by trading standards officers. They gave the businesses an underage sales information pack and made them fully aware of the law in relation to selling age-restricted goods.
Executive member for housing and public protection, Councillor Andrew Baikie, said: Im appalled by the behaviour of these traders, especially as they had been given information by trading standards officers.
We will not hesitate to take action against anyone found selling age-restricted goods to children. These laws are ultimately in place to protect young people from harm.
Newly-elected Young Mayor of Newham, Joshua Adejokun, said: Its terrible how these shops are making it so easy for young people to buy knives.
It is illegal to sell a knife to anyone under 18 and yet these shops are breaking the law.
I will continue the work of the former Young Mayor Zuhayb Ahmed in looking at how as young people, we can reduce knife crime on our streets.
