New photo ID rules for knife purchases at major retailers aim to enhance safety
Southport: Shoppers at Amazon, Argos, The Range, and Dunelm now need photo ID to buy knives. This rule applies both in stores and online.
The new government regulations require shoppers to show ID when buying knives. They must also show ID again when their online orders are delivered.
Shoppers need to provide an official ID, like a passport or driving license, and proof of address, such as a utility bill. Delivery drivers can only hand over knives to the person who ordered them.
Additionally, online retailers may ask for a current photo or video of the buyer. Leaving knife packages on doorsteps is now illegal if no one is home to receive them.
This rule affects all retailers selling knives longer than 5 inches. Stores like Amazon, Argos, The Range, and Dunelm sell kitchen knives that meet this requirement.
The stricter checks follow a tragic knife attack in Southport. The attacker, Axel Rudakubana, was only 17 when he bought a knife online.
Rudakubana used the knife from Amazon to harm three girls at a dance class. This incident prompted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to call for urgent action to prevent under-18s from buying knives online.
Current laws already ban selling knives longer than 3 inches to anyone under 18 in England and Wales. Retailers can face fines or prosecution for breaking this law.
Amazon stated it takes the sale of knives seriously and is investigating this case. They use trusted ID verification services to check the age of customers buying restricted items.
In this case, Amazon’s records showed the delivery driver confirmed the recipient was over 25 years old, following their policies.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized how easy it is for children to access dangerous weapons online. She emphasized the need for stronger checks before purchases and deliveries.
These new measures will be part of the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, expected to be introduced in Parliament by spring.
