Crewe and Nantwich retailers urged to back Government knife pledge

A new campaign aimed at tackling knife crime is being backed by David Williams, Labour's candidate for Crewe and Nantwich. David is urging local retailers to sign up to a knife pledge which will limit the availability of knives to under-18s.

David Williams said:

“By stopping under-18s getting access to knives in the first place, we can help to stop knife crime. The knife crime pledge is an important part of the Government’s strategy to tackle knife crime.

"I know from my work for Usdaw, the shopworkers union, that this knife will make a big difference. Our members tell me that clear policies that are understood by customers make it a lot easier to police age related sales on items like knives.

“We will only tackle knife crime by working together. I hope that all businesses in Crewe and Nantwich who sell knives will sign up to the pledge.”

The six points of the pledge are:

- provide training to staff on the sale of knives
- display signs stating that knives are not for sale to under-18s
- ensure that display and storage of knives minimises the risk of theft;
- ensure till prompts are in place to remind staff at the point of sale;
- enhance safeguards on internet sales to address attempted underage sale of knives; -- and monitor attempted underage sales and share information with local police and other partners.