November 17, 2009
Week Marks The Neighbourly Way To Fight Crime!
The illegal sale of knives and alcohol was put under the spot light when police and Trading Standards carried out an operation to see what, if any, are being sold to underage youngsters.
The operation ran as part of ‘Not in My Neighbourhood Week’, a Home Office backed week of activity that raises awareness of work by local agencies and residents to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
In Luton the North and West Safer Neighbourhood Teams made 28 attempts to buy knives and fireworks with 6 illegal sales recorded. In Central Bedfordshire 51 attempts were made to buy with 21 illegal sales recorded. In Bedford Borough 16 attempts were made with 1 potential illegal sale.
All three operations were run in partnership with the respective local authority Trading Standards departments. Inspector Rob Bartlett, said: “Teamwork is the key to fighting crime and we were delighted to support national ‘Not in My Neighbourhood Week’. It is a celebration of some of the excellent work going on in our communities with our partners.”
Sarah Hall from Luton Borough Council Trading Standards, speaking on behalf of all three unitary authorities, added; “It is refreshing to see that so few sales were made compared to previous operations. This shows that retailers are aware of the legislation and recognise their social responsibilities not to sell age-restricted products to minors, in particular alcohol. It is, however, disappointing to see a handful of knives were purchased for which we will seek prosecution.”
Anyone interested in joining Neighbourhood Watch can find details at www.safer-beds.org. Anyone with information about crime can call 01234 841212, in confidence, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Pictures of knives purchased at a car boot sale in Central Bedfordshire
