Police knife operation catches out five Rotherham shops

STAFF from five Rotherham shops must attend awareness sessions after being caught selling knives to under-18s during a police operation.

The knife test purchase operation saw officers visit 19 premises at Dinnington, Maltby, Swinton and Rotherham town centre yesterday (Monday), as part of the national Operation Sceptre initiative.

The week-long campaign across the UK is designed to tackle knife crime and raise awareness of the issue.

Chief Supt Rob Odell said: “It was pleasing to see our borough-wide operation result in the majority of shop staff showing an awareness of the law restricting knife sales, but five of those tested by our officers failed the test purchase, which is a cause for concern.

“Those who sold to under-18s will now undertake a knife crime awareness course. It is imperative that they understand the potential consequences of their actions.”

Other activities during the week include open land searches, public engagement stands and the execution of search warrants.