Zombie knife amnesty launched ahead of full ban

Owners urged to hand in weapons

An amnesty for zombie knives begins next week, ahead of a ban in September. Owners of large blades and machetes are being urged to hand the fearsome weapons in at police stations, no questions asked.

Prohibited list to include zombie knives

From September 24, zombie-style knives and machetes will be added to a prohibited list of dangerous items, which includes butterfly knives, samurai swords, and push daggers.

Government's stance on weapon control

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson emphasized the importance of reducing access to weapons that can cause devastating injuries. She stated, "We are offering people the chance to do the right thing — to help make our streets safer and prevent further loss of life."

Community efforts for a safer environment

Dame Diana Johnson highlighted the need for collaboration between political, policing, and community leaders to address the issue of weapon availability. She added, "There is no legitimate need for a weapon of this kind on our streets."

Penalties for non-compliance

Following the ban, individuals found with a machete or zombie-style knife will face potential jail time. It is crucial for people to seek advice from the police on how to safely package and surrender such weapons.