Operation Blade has succeeded in forcing home its message.

Knives are a part of youth culture, and they shouldn’t be.

In the last few days, the Oxford Mail has accompanied police on patrol in the city centre, East Oxford and Blackbird Leys.

No knives were found, which is comforting to know.

However, we also report on knives being sold to youngsters in a trading standards sting at the Kassam Stadium boot fair.

Stanley knives, kitchen and craft knives were on offer and – it was proved – age seemed no barrier.

Two stallholders were given warnings for allowing the underage youngsters to buy blades.

Another was caught selling knives for the second time, but only received a caution.

This was a great opportunity for police to make a statement by making an example of him. The chance wasn’t taken. A slap on the wrist is no deterrent to stop breaking the law.