The UK government has announced a nationwide campaign urging the public to surrender zombie-style knives and machetes before they become illegal to own next month. The call comes as part of a broader initiative to curb knife crime and remove dangerous weapons from the streets.
Starting from 24th September, it will be illegal to possess zombie-style knives and machetes, as these weapons will be added to the list of prohibited items, which already includes butterfly knives, Samurai swords, and push daggers. In anticipation of the new law, the government is encouraging individuals who currently own these weapons to hand them over safely and legally.
The surrender scheme will be in place at police stations across England and Wales from 26th August to 23rd September. During this four-week period, individuals can relinquish these potentially dangerous knives without fear of prosecution. The initiative aims to provide a safe and anonymous means for the public to dispose of these weapons.
In addition to police stations, the public can use safe surrender bins or contact local authorities, police, or anti-knife crime charities to find alternative disposal options. These measures are designed to make the surrender process as accessible as possible, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to comply with the new regulations.
After 24th September, anyone found in possession of a zombie-style knife or machete will face criminal charges, with the possibility of imprisonment. The move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle knife crime, which has had devastating consequences in communities across the country.
Policing Minister Diana Johnson emphasised the importance of the new ban and the need for public cooperation. “Too many people have access to weapons that can lead to devastating, life-changing consequences. There is no legitimate need for a weapon of this kind to be in our homes or on our streets,” she stated.
Johnson also highlighted that the ban on zombie-style knives is just the beginning of a larger plan to reduce knife crime. “Implementing a ban on zombie-style knives is just the first step in our ambitious, dedicated plan to halve knife crime within a decade, and will closely be followed by making ninja swords illegal,” she said.
The Minister called on the public to take part in the scheme to help make communities safer. “It is absolutely crucial that members of the public come forward and safely hand in these weapons. We are offering people the chance to do the right thing – to help make our streets safer, prevent further loss of life and save so many futures.”
As the government pushes forward with its goal to halve knife crime within the next decade, future measures will include additional weapon bans, stricter regulations on online sales, and comprehensive efforts to prevent young people from being drawn into crime.
Contributed by: UK Government and Public Sector