Croydon traders have been caught selling a variety of knives to kids younger than 18.

So far this year, 315 test purchases have been carried out by 18 London trading standards departments and the Metropolitan Police, using child volunteers aged between 12 and 17.

The vast majority of shops visited refused to sell, but 50 sales were made, and a variety of knives and bladed articles, including kitchen knives, utility knives, razor blades and cleavers were sold to children.

Croydon’s programme of test-purchasing exercises has seen a number of successful prosecutions of traders caught breaking the law by selling bladed items to under-age customers.

In recent months, Shakeb Hakime, of Norbury Discount Store, London Road, was sentenced to 10 weeks’ jail, suspended for 12 months, after admitting selling a five-piece knives and scissors set to two 15-year-olds.

He was also ordered to perform 100 hours’ community service, and to pay costs of £7,144.00, and a victim surcharge of £80.

District Judge Rana said: “Mr Hakime, as a shopkeeper, has a personal responsibility to prevent the sale of items to under-18s, and to ensure that his staff are properly trained.

“Knives are extremely dangerous to those who are under 18. A custodial sentence is justified.”