A 13-year-old boy from east London was able to buy three knives as part of The Newham Council sting. A 15-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy purchased four knives between them. The blades ranged between three and seven inches long and some cost less than £2.
The offending shops had all been warned about selling knives to under-18s in the past. Each shop manager has now received an information pack outlining why staff must not sell knives to teenagers.
Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: "Shopkeepers are a key part of Newham's communities, but with that comes the responsibility of ensuring they support a safe environment where people are not afraid to walk the streets."
It is illegal to sell knives to anyone under 18. The penalty for shopkeepers who do sell knives to under-18s is a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in prison.
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