Businesses are being asked to clamp down on the sale of knives amidst growing concerns over safety

Croydon Council is calling on businesses around the area to agree to conditions aimed at knife crime prevention.

Some of the conditions include:

  • Agreeing to store knives in a safe and secure area to deter self-service and prevent thefts
  • Agree not to sell certain styles of knives, such as hunting, combat and martial arts blades
  • Ensuring staff don’t sell knives to under 18s

Residents outraged after Thornton Heath Poundland spotted promoting knives in front window

This comes after a Poundland in Thornton Heath was spotted displaying knives in its shopfront window two weeks ago.

The display led to numerous complaints and criticism from the community on social media.

A spokesperson for Poundland said the display was quickly taken down after they became aware of the situation.

Croydon borough commander Jeff Boothe said: “This is a good example of the council and police working in partnership with the community to help combat knife crime.”

Thornton Heath Poundland removes knives from shopfront window after public backlash

The council is meeting with all 200 known knife retailers in Croydon. So far 160 have been visited by the Trading Standards team and all but a few have pledged their support for the agreement.

“Supporting young people to choose not to carry knives will be a major part of our new campaign," Councillor Hamida Ali said.

"By choosing to be responsible retailers, Croydon businesses are making a vital stand against knife crime.

“I hope more retailers both in the town centre and across Croydon, support our campaign to help combat the knife crime we’ve recently seen in the borough.”