By Ezekiel David
Owners of “zombie-style” blades and machetes in England and Wales have until August 26 to surrender them to the authorities without facing charges. The move comes ahead of the blades’ September 24th prohibition.
The ban, initially approved under the previous Conservative government, aims to tackle rising knife crime and make communities safer. Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson highlighted it as a key step towards the government’s goal of halving knife crime within a decade.
“Zombie knives,” which frequently have blades longer than eight inches and violent images on them, have become a rising source of concern for law enforcement. A loophole that allowed makers to avoid the regulations by simply removing graphic iconography from the grips of the guns hindered an earlier attempt to outlaw them in 2016. This loophole is closed by the amended Offensive Weapons Act, which makes it illegal to own or sell these knives.
Anyone found with a “zombie knife” after September 24th could face arrest and imprisonment. “There is no legitimate need for a weapon of this kind to be in our homes or on our streets,” stated Dame Diana, emphasizing the government’s commitment to removing these dangerous weapons from circulation.
Individuals wishing to participate in the surrender scheme have been advised to contact their local police station for guidance on safe packaging and transportation. Anonymous drop-off bins will also be available at designated locations.
The “zombie knife” ban represents the first phase in a broader government effort to restrict access to offensive weapons, with plans to outlaw ninja swords already in motion.
(Source: BBC)