Teenage police cadets have put businesses to the test in Kirklees after conducting undercover operations to see if any would sell alcohol and cigarettes to juveniles.

Kirklees District Police has thanked Volunteer Police Cadets for their dedication after the teenagers gave up their evenings to conduct plain clothes test purchases in parts of Huddersfield, Batley, and more last week.

While the majority of shops did perform ID checks and refused the sale, the teenagers were still able to buy alcohol at three shops, cigarettes from two, as well as nitrous oxide capsules from one business.

Follow-up police enquiries will now be conducted at shops that failed the test purchases.

The teenagers conducted the operation on October 26 and 27 at shops in Batley, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton, Marsh, Paddock, and Milnsbridge.

The Operation followed strict national guidance, and if the Cadets were asked their age or for identification, they were to tell the truth and give their real age.

Young people from all backgrounds are encouraged to join the VPC, including those who may be vulnerable to the influences of crime and social exclusion.

The cadets follow a two-year programme that is linked to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

PC Kathryn Jagger of the Kirklees District Police licensing department said “It was pleasing to find that across the Kirklees District a majority of the shops visited complied with the law and carried out the correct checks to ensure that age-restricted products do not fall into the wrong hands.
“We will of course be carrying out further inquiries at premises that sold items such as alcohol, cigarettes, and nitrous oxide cylinders to young people.

“The cadets were extremely professional and I thank them for giving their time to assist us.  We will be looking to repeat this operation in the near future and encourage businesses to remain vigilant and make sure they are not selling items such as alcohol to juveniles.

Police sergeant Stuart Clarke, Kirklees District Volunteer Police Cadet Leader, and Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant said “This was a great opportunity for the Kirklees Volunteer Police Cadets to make a difference to their communities, preventing age-restricted products falling into young people’s hands protects not only them but also can help reduce anti-social behaviour in our neighborhoods.
“These young people give up their own time to help make their communities safer and perform some really valuable services in neighborhoods.”

Concerns about premises selling age-restricted products to young people can be reported either via the West Yorkshire Police Live Chat  https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101LiveChat or to West Yorkshire Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133

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