The jacket to die for: TK Maxx takes hooded coat
with concealed 2.5 inch blade off its shelves
TK Maxx, which has more than 200 outlets in the UK, came under heavy criticism for 'promoting knife crime' at a time when increasing numbers of youngsters are being harmed by the weapons. The high street clothing store today bowed to pressure to remove hooded jackets which were being sold with a concealed knife inside from off its shelves.
Today the store confirmed it had removed the Swiss-branded coats which came with a penknife attached by a chain as soon as the firm became aware of the issue.
A spokesman for the firm said: "TK Maxx supports and enforces all laws and regulations with regard to the sale of knives in stores. We have rigorous processes in place to ensure that knives are displayed clearly and safely in our stores that our associates are fully and properly trained on the legislation and that knives are sold only to customers over the age of 18. Recently we became aware that a Swiss-branded coat on sale in store included a pocket penknife as a promotional gift. Once aware of this issue, we followed all necessary procedures to remove the items swiftly from the supply chain. It is therefore with great regret that we learn that not all items were picked up through this process. All store teams have been alerted to this and as a matter of urgent priority, have now removed all related items from the shop floor."
Shopper Steve Gale in Farnborough, Hampshire, found one of the coats on sale for £59 in his local store, The Sun reported. He told the newspaper: 'I pulled the chain and out came this knife. I couldn't believe it. It was actually part of the coat.'
A spokesman for Hampshire Police said officers would speak to staff at the store to 'offer advice' but said it was aware the coat had been withdrawn from sale last month. "The simple message is: carrying knives ruins lives. Doing so puts yourself and others at risk and is a criminal offence," he added.
A total of 27 teenagers have been stabbed to death in the capital alone this year - a figure which has already surpassed last year's toll. The most recent victim was 19-year-old Craig Marshall from Acton, West London, who died in hospital after stumbling into a nearby police station.
Steve Gale, 36, who almost bought one of the jackets at a store in Farnborough, Hants, said: 'It's scandalous, with all the attacks involving knives that a big national store is selling them as part of clothing.
