Police welcome new legislation on knifes as government introduces amnesty scheme

Suffolk Constabulary is welcoming new legislation that will make it illegal to own certain styles of “zombie” knives and machetes.

The new law, which will come into force from Tuesday, September 24, is aimed at removing specific types of knives from circulation and prohibits the sale and importation of knives that meet the criteria.

Ahead of this, the government is introducing a surrender and compensation amnesty scheme for those who currently own these types of knives.

Anyone surrendering knives that meet the criteria will be eligible for compensation, under the government scheme, and detailed guidance on the kinds of knives that will become illegal and eligible for surrender with compensation can be found on the Gov.UK website.

The amnesty scheme will run between Monday, August 26, and Monday, September 23.

During this time owners of knives that qualify for the scheme will need to download and complete the form from the Gov.UK website and bring it with them, along with the knife, to one of the following police stations in Suffolk:

• – Princes Street in Ipswich.
• – Raingate Street in Bury St Edmunds.
• – Old Nelson Street in Lowestoft.

Sergeant Steve Wright, who is leading the amnesty scheme for Suffolk police, said: “We welcome these measures that will make it more difficult for people to obtain zombie-style weapons, often used for the purposes of violence, and is an important development that will help us tackle knife-related criminality in Suffolk.

“Whilst the majority of people know that carrying a knife in public is an offence, it’s important that everyone realises that possession of an offensive weapon carries a sentence of up to four years in prison.

“The criteria set out in the new law dictates that any knife over 8ins  in length and with one – or more – serrated edge could meet the requirement of a banned knife.

“The harm that is caused to families and communities through the tragic loss of life relating to knife crime is devastating which is why tackling knife-related crime remains a priority for Suffolk Constabulary.

“We remain committed to preventing and reducing knife crime, and continue to work closely with partners and schools to achieve this by taking a proactive approach to raise awareness and reduce offending.

“Suffolk Constabulary will continue to take robust action to those who break the law and remain committed to proactively tackling knife crime and violent offending.”

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “Anything that helps removes knives from circulation and prohibits the sale and importation of knives has my full support.

“The devastation caused by knife crime is well documented and, while Suffolk is a relatively safe place to live, we collectively do need to do all we can to keep it that way.

“My message to anyone who is even considering carrying a knife is – don’t. Carrying a knife or sharp-bladed instrument does not make you safer, in fact it’s completely the opposite.  If you have a knife, bin it appropriately now.”

Further details and the compensation form can be found Compensation scheme for ‘zombie’ knives and machetes – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)