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Tuesday, September 24, 2024

What are zombie knives and why are they being banned?

A ban on owning zombie-style knives and machetes has come into force nationwide after a month-long amnesty.

They have now been added to a prohibited list of dangerous items and it will be illegal to own them.

It comes just a day after a murder investigation was launched following the death of a 15-year-old boy in Woolwich, south east London, who was stabbed with what police believe was a “zombie-style knife”.

The Home Office ban is aimed at reducing knife-crime.

Police figures, obtained by the BBC, revealed the number of crimes involving machetes, swords or zombie knives has nearly doubled in five years.

Data obtained by the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act showed in 2023 machetes, swords or zombie knives were mentioned in more than 14,000 crimes recorded by 32 police forces in England and Wales.

In 2019, there were 7,159 offences recorded as involving the large blades, rising to 14,195 in 2023.

A month-long amnesty, in which owners of zombie-style knives and machetes were urged to hand them in to police stations, preceded the ban.

Ahead of the ban, policing minister Dame 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.”

What is a zombie knife?

A zombie knife, also known as a zombie killer knife or zombie slayer knife, is a blade with a cutting edge, a serrated edge and images or words either on the blade or handle which suggest it is to be used for violence.

Zombie knives are included in the list of banned knives, meaning it is illegal to possess them, bring them into the UK, sell or hire them out or lend them to someone.

But this only applies to the weapons which meet the three criteria: cutting edge, serrated edge and words or images that imply they are to be used for violence.

A machete is a broad, heavy blade. Its blade is usually between 10 and 28 inches.

The Government also plans to ban ninja swords in the future.

Detailed guidance on the kinds of weapons which have become illegal can be found here.

What are zombie knives and why are they being banned?
The Labour Government plans to halve knife crime within the next 10 years (Photo: Peter Dazeley/Getty)

Can I get compensation for handing in a zombie knife?

Anyone who surrendered knives which met the criteria during the month-long amnesty was eligible for compensation, under the Government’s scheme.

The standard compensation amount for each surrendered weapon was £10, although applicants were able to claim the value if their weapon exceeded this amount by providing evidence.

No compensation was paid out for claims where the total was less than £30.

This meant owners with one item to surrender were not be eligible for compensation, but those with three items at £10 each were eligible to claim £30 of compensation for the three items.

Claims for compensation had to be made at the same time as surrendering the weapon and only during the amnesty.

How long did the zombie knife amnesty last?

The surrender and compensation scheme started on Monday 26 August and ran for four weeks until 23 September in police stations across England and Wales.

Owners were encouraged to contact their designated police station first to get advice on how to package up any weapons and bring them into the station.

They were also able to dispose of the weapons anonymously using surrender bins, by contacting their local police force, the council or an anti-knife crime charity to find out about alternative options in their area.

When did the ban come in and what does it mean?

The ban came into force from Tuesday 24 September, 2024, making it illegal to own certain styles of “zombie” knives and machetes.

They join a prohibited list of dangerous items, which include butterfly knives, samurai swords and push daggers.

Dame Diana said this is part of the Government’s plan to halve knife crime within the next 10 years.

She said: “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.”

The Government has said it is working with police, communities and partners to ensure there is public awareness of the surrender scheme ahead of the ban.

What is the sentence for having a zombie knife?

The Home Office has said from 24 September, anyone caught with a zombie-style knife or a machete will face a custodial sentence.

It is illegal to carry any knife in public without good purpose, such as for work purposes.

An adult found guilty of carrying a knife or weapon illegally currently faces a sentence of four years in prison.

In 2016, the government banned zombie knives, and in 2019 cyclone knives were banned.

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