Police Cadets recently joined officers to support with a plain clothes operation testing the sale of vapes and tobacco to people under the age of 18 in South Devon.
Police Cadets recently joined officers to support with a plain clothes operation testing the sale of vapes and tobacco to people under the age of 18 in South Devon.
The cadets, who were in plain clothes, visited a total of 13 shops across Newton Abbot and Torquay attempting to purchase either vape or tobacco products. Each cadet was underage and had no form of valid identification. Only one shop failed to check the age of the cadet.
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.”
After each visit, a uniformed police officer entered the store to inform employees of the operation and give advice and support around the laws surrounding the sale of age restricted products.
“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.”
This operation was led by the Neighbourhood Support Team and supported by local police cadets. Plain clothes operations testing local business around the sales of restricted products will continue throughout the year.
“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.”
To report suspected sales of age restricted products to underage people, visit the Devon & Somerset Trading Standards website: Report underage sales - Trading Standards Service
To report concerns of businesses engaging in illegal activity or to log non-urgent crimes happening in your area, please visit our website or call 101. For all emergencies call 999.
You can also report crimes 100% anonymously via Crimestoppers.
To learn more about the cadets, what they do and the application process, visit: Devon & Cornwall Police Cadets - information and advice for children and students
To contact Trading Standards, email tradingstandards@devon.gov.uk or phone 01392 383000.
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