Camden send in secret shoppers to check firework sales to under-18s

A secret shopper operation has found fireworks are being sold responsibly in Camden in the run up to Bonfire Night.

Three teenage police cadets visited 12 shops selling fireworks in a joint operation by Camden Council trading standards and police last Thursday.

The cadets, aged 13 and 14, tried to buy sparklers through to larger fireworks from retailers in Kentish Town, Finchley Road in Hampstead, and businesses north of Euston Road.

All shopkeepers refused to sell, asking the teenagers for their age and identification. The secret shoppers had been briefed not lie about their age.

Cllr Jonathan Simpson, cabinet member for community safety, said: “Bonfire Night is a time for fun and we want to make sure that everyone enjoys the night safely.

“Fireworks can be dangerous and our joint operation with the police ensured that they are only sold by correctly licensed premises to customers of the correct legal age.”