The police are cracking down on so-called ‘Zombie knives’, and are giving owners a chance to turn the knives in. The laws have changed, and soon, owning or possessing “zombie-style” knives will cost you.
Charges Could Be Faced
Zombie-style knives are now required, by law, to be to be surrendered. There’s only a limited time to surrender weapons; after that, the person, if caught, may face charges.
What Is a Zombie-Style Knife?
As apocalyptic as that sounds, it isn’t a knife for killing zombies. However, it’s the name given to knives with long blades over eight inches.
The Zombie Knife by Police Definition
As per the Derbyshire police, the knife has a “plain cutting edge and a sharp pointed end.” It is usually a blade eight inches in length. The knives may further have serrated edges over two inches long and could include some form of spikes.
Other Possible Modifications
Furthermore, a zombie-style blade could also feature a hole or more than one hole in the blade, and there could be more than two sharp points on the same blade.
Banned Knives in 2016
According to the BBC, the Conservatives had tried to implement a ban on knives in 2016 under Theresa May’s premiership. However, there was a loophole that hindered the success of this former ban.
Loophole Destroyed the Ban’s Integrity
The loophole in the previous ban didn’t specify that the blades could not be manufactured and sold. There were also no specifics that prohibited the sale and possession of the weapons if they didn’t possess violent pictures on the handles.
Blade Specifics
James Cleverly, the former home secretary, also mentioned banning these knives. According to BBC News, Cleverly included the banning of zombie knives, specifically, having a sharp edge on one side and a serrated edge on the other.
Changes to Criminal Justice
According to the Derbyshire Police, the Criminal Justice Act of 1988 amendments make it illegal to own or possess any form of zombie-style knives. These knives include machetes and anything over eight inches.
When Will the Changes Occur?
These changes will take effect from 23 September 2024. All people in possession of these weapons are required to hand them in.
Compensation to Do the Right Thing
Amnesty will include compensation for surrendered weapons. Owners of the knives can claim compensation if their knives exceed the compensation. However, an application process should be completed.
Only Compensation for £30 & More
In addition, the police said there’s no compensation for knives valued under £30. If persons surrender one knife, they will not receive a compensation of £10. However, three knives will be to the value of £30.
Support From the NPCC
The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) has welcomed the proposal and amendments in the fight against knife crimes. Commander Stephen Clayman said he welcomed the new proposals.
NPCC Welcomes the Amnesty Program
“I welcome these proposals as they offer a robust and powerful response to deal with those who seek to use knives for violence. Ultimately, these measures provide a greater means to protect the public and safeguard our communities,” the Commander said in a statement.
Increased Penalties for Offenders
The laws will also prohibit the importation and selling of these illegal knives to under 18s and the rest of the public. Offenders who break this law will have an increased penalty of two years for the importation, manufacturing, or selling of these prohibited items.
More Bans to Come
Dame Diana Johnson, who serves as the Policing Minister, said that this knife ban would later lead to the “outlawing of ninja swords” as well. She also noted that this was the first time in years that the government put serious effort into halving knife crimes.
Power to Seize & Destroy
According to the NPCC, the police are granted authority to seize and destroy these prohibited weapons if they are “in private property, lawfully, and they have a reasonable belief that they will be used in serious crime.”
Is the Zombie Knife Ban Enough?
Hayley Ryall, had voiced her fears that this ban was simply not enough to end the violence. Her 16-year-old son, Mikey Roynon’s life had been taken in a violent crime involving a knife as a weapon.
This Law May Not Be Enough, a Mother Fears
The mother of the victim told the BBC that she never knew how serious these crimes were until her child became a victim. She worried that knives were still available and might not be zombie knives but instead a kitchen knife or something else.
Please “Listen to Us”
Ms Ryall added that she wished the government would listen to the people “I wish the government would ask us and listen to us because we’re the ones living with it,” she said.
Many Steps to the Final Goal
The police say that there are several ways to tackle knife crimes, still, the key one is reducing the number of knives on the streets and available to the public.
Assistance From Local Police
Persons in possession of zombie-style knives have until 23 September to surrender their weapons. Anything after that will lead to prosecution. People must take care when travelling with their knives and can ask local police about safety and rules for transporting weapons.
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