Police crack down on shops failing to ID young people

Cadets were sent in wearing plain clothes

Police cadets in South Devon have recently joined officers to test which shops check for identification before selling vapes and tobacco products to young people.

The cadets, who were in plain clothes, visisted 13 shops across Newton Abbot and Torquay, attempting to purchase the age restricted products.

Only one failed to check the age of the cadet.

After each visit, a uniformed officer entered the store to inform employees of the operation and give advice and support around the laws of selling age restricted products.

Chief Inspector Miranda Pusey, who oversees neighbourhood police teams across the South Devon area, said: “This was a really positive result. It’s reassuring to see such a robust response from stores across the towns. Our aim isn’t to catch shops or employees out, but to make sure everyone is playing their part in keeping young people safe.

“Test purchase operations present us with an opportunity to educate and engage with retailers in a unique way. This forms part of our prevention work in communities – if we can prevent vapes and tobacco being sold to people under 18, we can also then reduce any possible harm and antisocial behaviour that may be linked with accessing age restricted products

“I hope this shows people in our community that we are committed to keeping people safe, both through high-visibility proactive work and preventative opportunities such as this operation.

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to all the cadets who supported with this operation. The work you do is vital to keep our communities educated and safe from harm.”