Gwent Police joins national initiative to remove zombie knives from our streets

Ahead of a nationwide ban on the weapons, people can safely and legally surrender them at police stations – and potentially receive compensation.

A call to surrender zombie-style knives and machetes launches today – one month before they’re outlawed.

From 24 September, it will be illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes, as they’ll be added to the UK Government’s list of dangerous and prohibited items, including butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.

Ahead of this ban, we will be part of a surrender and compensation scheme for the weapons being launched by UK Government on Monday, 26 August.

The surrender scheme allows people to hand in knives that fall within the new legislation at police stations, in return for an application for compensation (as long as the total value of the items exceeds £30).

We’ve also set up amnesty bins at a five of our stations – where you can hand in the knife, regardless of whether you apply for compensation.

The scheme runs for four weeks, between 26 August and 23 September, and there are no repercussions for surrendering these dangerous knives safely.

You can surrender items during times at the following stations:

• Newport central police station: 8am – 5pm
• Blackwood police station: 9am – 4pm
• Cwmbran police station: 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
• Monmouth police station: 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
• Ebbw Vale police station: 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm

Superintendent Ryan Francis said:

“The upcoming ban on zombie-style weapons is a welcome one and should increase safety and reduce knife crime within our communities.

“We’re committed to tackling serious violence and organised crime and will continue to work hard to remove illegal and dangerous weapons from our streets.

“Over the next month, anyone who owns one of these knives, can safely deposit it at one of our stations.

“From 24 September, having a zombie knife or machete will be against the law. If you're found with one, you will be prosecuted.”

If you wish to surrender an item during this period, please make sure you stay safe at all times. Make sure the items are safe to handle while travelling to and on police premises.

They must be packaged securely and in a manner that doesn’t alarm members of the public when you’re taking them to the station.

Items must be wrapped up and placed in a sealed bag or box. They must not be carried openly at any time. Carrying bladed articles in public without a good reason or lawful authority is an offence.  

You can find out more about how to claim compensation, and find the form you need to take to the station with your knife here: Compensation scheme for 'zombie' knives and machetes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For further advice on the surrender and compensation scheme, visit Zombie-style knives and machetes surrender and compensation scheme | Gwent Police