Volunteer police cadets have taken part in a test purchase operation in an attempt to reduce the under age selling of knives and alcohol.

The cadets volunteered their time during the recent half term school holiday to take part in test purchase operations alongside Lambeth Trading Standards in Streatham and Clapham.

Over 128 premises including shops, bars, pubs and DIY stores have been visited this year as part of an ongoing test purchase operation. Eighteen £80 fixed penalty notices have been issued with a number of final warnings to sellers of knives and sharp objects.

PC Paul Dowsett, from Lambeth Borough Police Cadets, said: "The community are very concerned about young people carrying knives. In most cases these knives are bought or stolen from local retailers.

“As well as conducting test purchase operations our officers also visit the premises to advise retailers how to display sharp objects.

“We advise that these are kept away from the front door and/or behind the counter. This work is invaluable but we would not be able to do this kind of work if it was not for the cadets".