eBay admits it needs to tackle sales of illegal knives

London, Feb 9 (ANI): Online auction website eBay has admitted that it needs to take more precaution to stop the selling of illegal knives, which are illegal to carry in the UK.

The sale of the weapons came to light after researchers on the BBC's Watchdog programme bought five knives, including a stealth knife and a dagger disguised as a pen.

The investigation comes just days after Home Secretary Jacqui Smith launched an initiative with more than 20 retailers to ensure that knives are sold responsibly.

"Trust is the engine of eBay and as the UK's number one e-commerce site, we know we have a responsibility to keep the site safe for our buyers and sellers," the Daily Express quoted an eBay spokesman as saying.

"Although the UK site did not have any illegal knives for sale by UK sellers, it was possible for UK buyers to see or purchase knives from international sellers.

"This should not have been possible and we have taken steps to close that loophole," he added.

He also said that the company invested more than 6 million pounds every year "in developing the best technology possible to prevent anything from slipping through the net."

"As the world's largest marketplace we don't handle items directly, so we use sophisticated technology to help us identify high risk or illegal items," he said.

"Safety is our number one priority and we recognise we need to do more to protect our members.

"Therefore, we are reviewing our position with regards to the sale of all knives on eBay, including those currently permitted by law," he added. (ANI)