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Cyclone knives and ‘rapid-fire’ rifles among the
weapons outlawed
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Anyone unlawfully possessing these weapons faces up to
ten years in prison
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Measures from the Offensive Weapons Act aim to tackle
violent crime
A tough ban on a wide range of knives, weapons, and specific
firearms comes into force today (Wednesday 14 July) as part of
Government action to tackle violent crime and serious violence.
Cyclone knives, spiral knives and ‘rapid-fire’ rifles are among
those covered by the ban, all of which have been associated with
serious violence in communities across the country.
A new legal definition of flick knives, banned since 1959, also
takes effect, resulting in more of these bladed weapons being
outlawed.
All weapons banned in public by the Criminal Justice Act 1988,
including zombie knives, shuriken or death stars and
knuckledusters, will now also be banned in private, meaning
people can no longer keep them at home.
Anyone unlawfully possessing a firearm covered by the ban will
face up to 10 years in prison and those possessing one of the
other weapons can be sentenced to up to six months imprisonment
or a fine or both.
Home Secretary said:
“There is no place in our society for violent crime and harm
caused by such knives and firearms. Lives have been lost through
serious violence, and this ban will help save lives by getting
more knives and other weapons off the streets and out of the
hands of violent criminals.
“The human suffering and hurt caused by the tragic loss of life
through violent crime is unacceptable, which is why the
Government will stop at nothing to give the police the powers
needed to stop violent crime and protect the public.
“From today, anyone possessing one of these deadly weapons
unlawfully will face the full force of the law.”
National Police Chiefs' Council lead on knife crime,
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty, said:
“The harm caused to families and communities through the tragic
loss of life relating to knife crime is devastating and that is
why focusing on this issue remains a top priority for policing.
“We welcome the changes to legislation being introduced by the
Offensive Weapons Act. These measures will help officers to seize
more dangerous weapons, deal with those intent on using them to
cause harm and suffering, and crucially, make it more difficult
for young people to get hold of knives and other dangerous items
in the first place.
“Knife crime is not something that can be solved by policing
alone. We are working with businesses, schools, charities and
community schemes to educate young people and explain why
carrying a knife is never the right choice. This early
intervention plays a vitally important role in stopping young
people from turning to a life of crime.”
The provisions are set out in the Government’s Offensive Weapons
Act, which received Royal Assent in May 2019.
From December 2020 to March 2021, the Government ran a scheme
allowing members of the public to surrender to the police any
items that fell within the new ban and claim compensation from
the Home Office.
During the period, 14,965 knives and offensive weapons, 1,133
‘rapid fire’ firearms (as defined within the Offensive Weapons
Act) and more than 32,000 items of ancillary equipment were
surrendered, with the Home Office receiving and processing 829
claims for compensation.
The Government is also reminding members of the public about
forthcoming changes to the law around antique firearms.
The Antique Firearms Regulations 2021, introduced in March this
year, provides for the first time a legal definition of ‘antique
firearm’ to prevent criminals exploiting a lack of clarity in law
to gain possession of such a weapon for use in crime.
Owners of firearms which have ceased to be antiques as a result
of the 2021 Regulations have until 22 September this year to
apply to the police for a firearms certificate, which allows them
to own these weapons legally. Alternatively, they can surrender,
sell or otherwise dispose of the firearm before 22 September.
