Deadline for zombie knife and machete surrender

OWNERS of zombie-style knives or machetes are being asked to hand them in before possessing them becomes a criminal offence.

They can be surrendered at Keynsham police station and others in the Bristol and Bath areas before the law takes effect at midnight on September 24.

The items are being added to the list of prohibited offensive weapons under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, along with a ban on their manufacture, importation, sale and supply.

To help the public comply with this change, the Home Office has launched a surrender-and-compensation scheme running from August 26 to September 23.

During this period, people can surrender any zombie-style knife or machete to the police and claim compensation. After September 24, possessing these items could lead to criminal prosecution.

Chief Inspector Mike Vass, of Avon and Somerset Police, urges anyone in possession of these weapons to surrender them before the law takes effect.

He said: “These items can have tragic consequences in the wrong hands. Please do the right thing and ensure they are surrendered safely.”

Zombie-style knives and machetes are defined as weapons with blades over eight inches (20cm) in length that normally have a serrated cutting edge. Before you surrender a knife or machete:

• Wrap it in something, such as a towel, and carry it in a bag to prevent injury

• Make a specific journey to dispose of it, rather than carrying the item in public for longer than necessary

• Ensure your local police station enquiry office is open before you make the journey

They can be handed in at Keynsham Police Centre, Ashmead Trading Estate, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX, from Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 1.30pm, and 2.15pm to 6pm.

For more information on the surrender scheme, including compensation eligibility and FAQs, search for ‘Compensation scheme for ‘zombie’ knives and machetes’ at GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

People can anonymously dispose of any knives and bladed articles all year round using permanent surrender bins. For more information on these and advice on how to keep yourself safe from knife crime, search for ‘Protect yourself and others from knife crime’ on the Avon and Somerset Police website (https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk)