Havering Council’s Trading Standards team have been out across the borough to prevent local retailers from selling age-restricted products such as knives and vapes, to young people aged under 18.
The team visited five different premises in Hornchurch and Rainham recently.
The officers were also looking to ensure businesses were not providing sunbed sessions to those underage.
As part of the operation, the Trading Standards team were accompanied by volunteers all aged under 18 from the Metropolitan Police cadets.
The volunteers helped officers by going into the businesses to attempt to buy a knife or a vape, also known as e-cigarettes.
These products are illegal to sell to anyone under the age of 18.
All businesses visited on this particular operation refused to sell any of the age-restricted items to the young people.
If a business is found to be selling age-restricted goods to those underage, they may be liable to prosecution even if it is a first offence.
Trading Standards officers will often work with businesses to support training requirements and ensure they understand and comply with regulations.
Even if a business does pass the test, it could be re-visited unannounced at any time.
The Council’s Trading Standards Team also work with businesses to encourage them to sign up to the Challenge 25 Scheme.
This scheme encourages young people to carry ID and for retailers to ask for that ID if they think the person looks younger.
Councillor Terry Brown, Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protections, said:
“We’re pleased that these local businesses are supporting us and are helping to keep our young people safer across the borough by not selling products like this, to anyone under the legal age.
“None of the businesses broke the rules on this particular operation, but our teams are regularly making these visits.
"This means we can make sure everyone is continuing to comply.
“We will always take strong action on those who don’t comply, which may include prosecution.”