by Danny Boyle

dboyle@thekmgroup.co.uk

Stanley knives, a saw and large kitchen knives - these are some of the blades sold to children at Medway shops.

The potential weapons were handed over to 16-year-olds with no questions asked by staff as part of a council sting operation.

Trading standards officers sent under-age decoys into almost 40 discount stores, hardware outlets, supermarkets and DIY chains as part of a Home Office anti-knife programme.

Six stores failed to ask for any identification and one staff member believed it was fine to sell knives to anyone aged over 16.

But Medway council would not identify the shops that sold two large kitchen knives, a serrated plaster saw and three Stanley knives to youths.

It has issued a plea for all staff at shops selling knives to always check ID and ensure none are sold to under-18s.

Cllr Mike O'Brien, portfolio holder for community safety, said: "We are fortunate in Medway that we don't have the same kind of issue with knife crime as many other parts of the UK, but it is vital that shops play their part in ensuring it stays that way.

"The point of these visits was to check awareness of rules on knife sales and to get across the message that if there is any doubt a customer is underage, always ask for ID."

No action will be taken against the stores that failed the test, but if they are caught again enforcement action could include demands for better staff training, written warnings or prosecution.

A council spokesman said: "Traders must comply with the law. Failure to do so can result in prosecution and substantial fines.

"In most cases the maximum fine for making an illegal sale of an age-restricted product is £5,000."

Officers have also carried out alcohol sale checks with under-age decoys at 28 shops in Medway in the last month. All staff demanded ID.

To report a shop selling knives or alcohol to children, phone trading standards on 01634 333 333 or e-mailunderagesales@medway.gov.uk.