During the half term week 25 to 29 October 2010, twenty-three young people aged between 13 and 16 years helped Conwy and Denbighshire Community Safety Enforcement Team and Trading Standards Officers carry out test purchase operations for age restricted goods at shops across Conwy and Denbighshire.
Items sought were age restricted DVD films and Games, alcohol, tobacco products, aerosol spray including spray paints, knives, and fireworks.
There is an obvious and established link between these items crime, anti social behaviour, and community safety.
299 premises were visited and 285 requests to purchase goods, 144 in Conwy and 141 in Denbighshire were tested.
Supermarkets, large chain stores, and individual retailers were visited.
In Conwy 36 sales were recorded as follow:
- Aerosol Spray (including spray paints) 9
- Alcohol 4
- Cigarettes 16
- Knives 4
- Age restricted Games 3
In Denbighshire 25 sales were made:
- Aerosol Spray (including spray paints) 6
- Alcohol 1
- Cigarettes 8
- Knives 6
- Age restricted Games 4
Cllr Sharon Frobisher, Denbighshire Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment said, “It is pleasing to note that no sales of fireworks were recorded, and it is more than ever noticeable that the indiscriminate discharge of fireworks in the street has reduced. Retailers of fireworks are congratulated on their diligence”.
Cllr Philip Evans, Conwy Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and Regulatory Services said, “The failure rate of one in five is concerning. The 238 premises where it was not possible to purchase age restricted goods are to be complimented on their diligence. Those who failed the tests will initially be invited to discuss the incident, before any decision on what action will be taken. It should be noted that in appropriate cases a prosecution may follow.”
Chief Superintendent, Simon Humphreys North Wales Police; Phil Rafferty Head of Regulatory Services for Conwy; Graham Boase, Head of Planning and Public Protection for Denbighshire are fully supportive of these actions and thank the teams involved for their hard work and commitment during this expansive operation.
