Undercover success (From Penarth Times)

Undercover success

SHOPKEEPERS have been selling life-threatening goods to children, according to a recent survey by the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Trading Standards department.

Undercover operations by officers revealed that some local shopkeepers are happy to sell dangerous butane gas lighter refills, knives and sharp tools to under-16s, whilst many will carelessly supply alcohol to minors.

Underage volunteers, aged between 13 and 16, were sent into 120 shops in the county over a six-month period to try to buy goods illegally, with shocking results.

A 14-year-old girl was able to buy knives and sharp weapons in all six of the shops she tried, while four out of 11 shops were happy to sell gas lighter refills to youngsters.

The results of the test purchasing exercises, some of which were carried out by Trading Standards and the police in partnership, showed that sales of alcohol to under age teenagers from off licences have declined in the county over the last year, thanks to a concerted effort by officers to tackle negligent sales, consequently highlighting those premises which are deliberately selling to young people.

Trading Standards officers say this is largely due to a recent educational package issued to traders in areas where youth annoyance is highest, and those caught selling alcohol to underage customers previously, but the officers say the results of the survey are still worrying and that they plan to be proactive by issuing new information packs on underage sales to as many local shopkeepers as possible.

The department also supports the Challenge 21 scheme, encouraging shopkeepers to ask for ID if they believe a customer buying a restricted item is under the age of 21.

Vale Principal Trading Standards Officer Simon Wilkinson said: "I'm horrified that children in the Vale are so easily able to get hold of dangerous weapons and items that could encourage substance misuse in conjunction with alcohol which promotes anti-social behaviour and lowers inhibitions.

"It's time for shopkeepers to act more responsibly and ensure their staff are trained in recognising items that are dangerous and the need to avoid selling them to youngsters. Asking for valid ID is essential."

Sergeant Jim Hall, of Vale of Glam-organ Police, added: "Those selling alcohol, knives or any other age-related products have to stop guessing a customer's age.

"If someone is lucky enough to look younger than they are, they will not be offended if you ask them to prove their age, and traders must ask for proof or risk the consequences.

"The Vale of Glamorgan is a safe place, and I would urge traders to assist in keeping it that way."