Two-Step Verification: The Dual ID System Set To Transform Knife Sales
Over the last decade, knife crime in England and Wales has risen sharply, with a staggering 54% increase in serious offences since 2016. As both perpetrators and victims of knife crime skew alarmingly young, urgent action has become a national imperative.
The Government's response, led by the launch of a Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime in September 2024, aims to address this growing crisis. This initiative is part of a broader strategy, including tougher restrictions on knife sales, heightened compliance measures for online retailers, and a renewed focus on safeguarding young people.
Government Action: Stricter Measures for Knife Sales Announced
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The Government’s proposed measures, fast-tracked after the fatal knife attack in Southport in 2024, aim to make it significantly harder for minors to purchase knives. The Crime and Policing Bill, set to be introduced in Parliament this spring, means online retailers will require two forms of identification, such as a passport and a live video verification, from buyers.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of these measures, noting the shocking ease with which young people can currently access knives and bladed articles.
"Time and again, as a child, the Southport murderer carried knives. Time and again, he showed clear intent to use them. "And yet tragically, he was still able to order the murder weapon off the internet without any checks or barriers. A two-click killer. This cannot continue."
Announcement Misses A Critical Component of Delivery Compliance
While these measures represent a significant step forward, challenges remain.
Under current practices, purchasing knives online typically requires providing a date of birth at the time of sale and a proof-of-age signature upon delivery. However, this approach introduces a grey area, as the responsibility for verifying age shifts from the seller to the delivery company, potentially leading to gaps in compliance.
The Government’s new proposals of a dual age verification process does aim to address these vulnerabilities, however, the announcement fails to address a key gap in the sale of knives.
Once the knife sale has been authorised and has left the retailer's warehouse, the courier becomes responsible for completing a compliant transaction. To ensure knives do not end up in the wrong hands, it is critical that doorstep transactions include throrough ID checks.
Delivery providers must confirm that the package recipient is of legal age to receive the product. It cannot be handed to a younger resident or left unattended at the doorstep.
This step is vital in preventing proxy sales, where adults purchase knives on behalf of minors, and ensuring that the intended buyer is both the recipient and of legal age.
For retailers that continue to rely on current delivery verification methods, it is crucial to work with responsible delivery providers who adhere to strict compliance protocols. Regular audits and monitoring of these providers are key to maintaining high standards and reducing the risk of knives being delivered to underage buyers.
Ensuring alignment between retailers, delivery services, and compliance testing initiatives is a critical step in addressing the broader knife crime crisis.
We were pleased to see the Government's updated legislative proposal on January 26, addressing these exact concerns.
Updated News - 27th Jan
Since the release of this article on January 23, further legislative changes have been proposed. The Crime and Policing Bill, expected this spring, will require buyers to present photo ID when purchasing a knife and again upon delivery. Companies will also be mandated to ensure that bladed articles are delivered only to the purchaser.
It will also become illegal to leave packages containing potentially deadly weapons unattended on doorsteps. While these amendments are crucial for community safety, they will place additional pressure on retailers to ensure their couriers comply with these new regulations.
This is a critical time for retailers to assess their current practices, hold couriers accountable, and invest in reliable solutions to meet these evolving requirements.
Serve Legal’s Insights
At Serve Legal, the UK’s leader in age-verification testing, we have been working to improve compliance across retail sectors for nearly two decades. In 2024, Serve Legal conducted trial audits with 13 companies, revealing that only 60% of transactions challenged 18- or 19-year-old auditors for ID, when buying a knife.
It is clear that investment in compliance checks makes a difference.
Serve Legal’s 2024 data highlights the tangible benefits of investing in compliance testing, with our clients achieving an average of 90% compliance rate for ID checks during knife sales—a 3% improvement from 2023.
Retailers who partner with Serve Legal demonstrate their commitment to due diligence and accountability, setting a standard for responsible practices. By investing in these checks, businesses not only meet legal obligations but also build trust with their communities, reinforcing their role in preventing underage access to knives.
A Shared Responsibility
Tackling knife crime requires collaboration between the Government, retailers, delivery providers, law enforcement, and communities. Retailers must embrace robust compliance practices and invest in tools to ensure safe transactions.
Serve Legal’s role in testing and improving age-verification policies is a testament to the difference that accountability and commitment can make.
Ultimately, the fight against knife crime is about safeguarding the future of young people. By addressing accessibility, taking accountability, strengthening compliance, and fostering community awareness, the UK can work towards a safer, knife-free society.
Get in touch with our team to discuss how Serve Legal can support your business.
