Call for shops to sign our pledge to sell knives responsibly
We want to keep knives and blades out of the wrong hands, so we ask stores selling them to sign up to our Responsible Retailer scheme.

Retail staff pledge to store and display them safely and securely and to operate a strict ‘Challenge 25’ age verification policy.

Our Business Crime Team visit retailers across Essex to provide robust staff training and want to hear from more shops willing to sign up.

PC Glen Foote says: “Stores must not sell knives or blades to anyone who is drunk or who appears agitated or aggressive. Staff should also consider the sale carefully if the customer is presenting any signs of being in crisis or other such vulnerability.

“In fact, they can refuse entry, refuse to serve or remove people from their premises for a variety of reasons.

“We want staff to feel confident to refuse a sale, particularly if they are concerned a knife or blade will be misused, even if the person is legally old enough to buy one.

“The law states you must be 18 or over to buy a knife but we ask scheme members to agree to Challenge 25, which means asking for ID from anyone who appears to be under 25 if they seek to buy one.”

Glen also points out that anyone buying a knife or bladed article online should also be asked to verify they are 18 when they buy it and should be asked for ID when it is delivered or they collect it.

The Responsible Retailer initiative is a partnership with Essex Trading Standards and the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to help prevent knife crime.

Responsible Retailers pledge to

• Store and display knives safely and securely
• Operate a strict ‘Challenge 25’ age verification policy
• Prominently display ‘Challenge 25’ posters explaining age verification to customers
• Provide full and robust training for retail staff
• Understand they could refuse sale to anyone if there is a concern a knife will be misused, or if the buyer appears drunk, agitated or aggressive
• Share relevant knife crime intelligence with appropriate agencies.

Across Essex, we recorded 1,498 incidents of knife-enabled crime in the 12 months to 31 October 2024.

This is a slight decrease when compared with the same period last year and an approximately 8% decrease on pre-Covid levels. 

If you are a store owner or manager and wish to find out more about the Responsible Retailer scheme or contact our business crime officers, visit our Business Crime webpages.

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Crime prevention advice

How to spot a shoplifter
Could you spot a shoplifter? They’re not always what you’d expect - specialising at blending in with shoppers. But you can often identify a shoplifter by their behaviour. Here are a few tell-tale signs to look out for.

They’re smart. Be smarter
Many shoplifters dress smartly and will often speak to you, joke with you and engage with you. They don’t always work alone and they may try to relax or distract you while an accomplice steals. They’re good at creating diversions, especially when you’ve unlocked a cabinet. Don’t fall for it. Get one of your staff to assist you.

A key part of dealing with shoplifters is by having strong security such as a member of staff near any doors; by knowing your clientele; by encouraging staff to remain alert; and by intelligent use of security devices.

How to spot a shoplifter
There are a number of tell-tale signs that flag up a shoplifter. But remember, while the following don't necessarily mean the person is guilty – and be aware that you are responsible for your behaviour, both legally and commercially – we recommend that you keep an eye on shoppers who:

• seem to be watching you and the staff rather than shopping and may be waiting for the right moment to steal an item
• seem to want to keep your attention and talk for the sake of it – possibly because an accomplice is elsewhere stealing
• look like they’re taking little notice of your products
• seem a little nervous and possibly pick up random items with little interest
• keep refusing your offer of help or assistance
• frequently enter your store and never make a purchase
• want you to unlock and open cabinets but don’t buy anything

What to do if you see a shoplifter in action
If you see them take something then ask them politely to put the item back but be careful to keep your tone neutral and back off if you feel threatened. Always be sure they’ve taken something before you speak to them – and only if you feel it’s safe to do so.

More advice.