Training for storage, display, sale and delivery of knives
In a collaboration between the NBCC, Metropolitan Police Service, Mayors Office for Policing and Crime and Trading standards bodies, a set of training modules for retail staff has been created to help stop underage sale as well as theft of knives.
This training package comprising of five modules, and is designed for everyone involved in the sale or delivery of knives including managers, retail staff and delivery drivers. It aims to standardise training across all retail sectors by raising awareness, improving knowledge and understanding of how good product placement and additional security measures can prevent theft and illegal sales of knives.
Each module comprises of a short animation and knowledge check.
Modules 2, 3 & 4 are essential for delivery drivers to enable them to ASSESS, CHALLENGE and CHECK age in order to comply with the requirements under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019.
Each module including the knowledge check will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
Module 1 : Safe Storage and Display of Knives
This module explains how to store and display knives in order to reduce the risk of them being stolen or used in crime.
Module 2: How to ASSESS Age
This module explains why it is important to always assess the age of the customer to ensure knives are sold responsibly, prevent underage sales and confirm delivery to someone over the age of 18.
Module 3: How to CHALLENGE someone for ID
This module explains how to challenge a customer for proof of age whether the knife is being sold in a shop, or delivered to a customer.
Module 4: How to CHECK ID Properly
This module explains how to check ID properly to prevent underage sales and confirm delivery to someone over the age of 18.
Module 5: When to call the police
This module explains when you should call the police about a knife related incident and how your actions will help police prosecute offenders and reduce knife crime.
Additional Resources
The Metropolitan police, Mayor's Office for Police and Crime (MOPAC) and London Trading Standards have been working to produce a good practice guide for knife retailers in addition to collaborating on the training modules. Alongside this is a Voluntary good practice agreement and resources to assist with training. These may also be useful in other parts of the country. Visit the Knife Retailer Toolkit for more information.
