Nationwide call to surrender all zombie-style knives and machetes

A nationwide call to hand over zombie-style knives and machetes has been launched by the Government, ahead of these dangerous weapons being banned from our streets.  

From 24th September, it will be illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes as they are added to the list of dangerous prohibited items already banned, including zombie knives, butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.

Ahead of the new ban coming into force, anyone who has one of these weapons is being urged to hand them over – safely and legally.

This scheme​ will be run at police stations across England and Wales for four weeks between 26th August to 23rd September, without repercussions for surrendering these potentially dangerous knives safely. 

Individuals can also anonymously dispose of these weapons using safe, surrender bins, by contacting their local police, council or an anti-knife crime charity to find out about alternative options, other than police stations, in their area.

After the 24th September, anyone caught with a zombie-style knife or a machete faces time behind bars.  

Policing Minister, Diana Johnson said: 

‘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.

‘That is why we will continue to make sure the tightest restrictions are in place to limit the availability of these lethal weapons. 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. 

‘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.

‘We cannot do this alone, political, policing and community leaders must work together to bring the knife crime epidemic to an end and offer a better future for our young people.'

Participating police stations are spread across the country, and people should contact their designated police station first to get advice on how to package up any weapons and bring them into the station.  

This scheme is just one part of the government's pledge to halve knife crime in a decade. Next steps will include further bans, stronger rules to stop online sales, and tough action to stop young people being drawn into crime.  

ENDS

Notes: 

• Information about how to surrender a weapon can be found on GOV.UK here.
• The maximum penalty for the importation, manufacturing, possession and sale of these newly proscribed weapons is two years and a fine, and retailers can also receive the maximum penalty for sales to under-18s. The maximum penalty for possession of such a weapon is up to six months in prison.
• The measures to ban zombie-style knives and machetes were first announced in August last year by the previous Government and approved in Parliament in April 2024.