In a proactive move to address knife-related crime, Hertfordshire Constabulary is participating in a nationwide amnesty for the surrender of zombie style knives and machetes.

This month-long initiative runs from Monday, August 26 to Monday, September 23, allowing individuals to safely and legally surrender these dangerous weapons.

Zombie-style knives and machetes will soon be banned across England and Wales

New Law: Starting Tuesday, September 24, 2024, a new law will make it illegal to own certain styles of “zombie” knives and machetes banning the lethal blades.
Criteria: Generally, any knife over eight inches in length with one or more serrated edges could qualify under the new law.
Removal from Circulation: The legislation aims to remove specific types of knives from circulation and prohibit their sale and importation.
From 24 September, anyone in possession of the lethal blades could face up to four-years imprisonment.
Also encompasses the manufacturing, supply, sale, possession and importation of these weapons.

How It Works

Surrender Locations: Knives can be surrendered at Hatfield, Stevenage, and Watford police stations during the amnesty period.
Compensation: Anyone surrendering knives that meet the criteria will be eligible for compensation under the government scheme.
Legal Implications: Possession of banned weapons, even if stored at home, can result in a prison sentence of more than four years.

Police Message

Detective Sergeant Dan Stoddart, who is leading the campaign, said: “The amnesty is a chance for anyone who is in possession this type of weapon to surrender it legally and safely. Once the new legislation comes into force police will be able to seize any such weapons they find and prosecute the owner.
“Possession of banned weapons, even if just in a drawer at home, can mean a prison sentence of more than four years. The criteria set out in the new law is quite specific – generally, any knife over eight inches in length and with one or more serrated edges could qualify, so if you own a knife which you think might be affected, please visit Gov.uk and read the details.”

Inspector Liz Spurling from Bedfordshire Police said: “This ban is a welcome measure in our continued efforts to tackle knife crime on our streets, while strengthening police powers to be able to seize these lethal weapons from private premises.

“My appeal to anyone in possession of a blade, be it a zombie-style knife or otherwise – just drop it. There is no reason, no excuse and no tolerance for knife crime here in Bedfordshire. Whether you think it’s for protection or because you believe others carry a knife, simply having a blade on you can have deadly consequences. You have a choice and the best thing you can do is to surrender your weapon today.

“We know that recent knife-related incidents have been concerning for residents of Bedfordshire, however we are continuing to see positive shifts across the county with offences involving a bladed article down 20 per cent in July compared to last year, while serious violence involving young people fell by 10 per cent.

“These changes are a direct result of communities and partners banding together to take a stand against knife crime, to report suspicious and anti-social behaviour and provide our officers with vital information in our bid to tackle serious violence and knife crime in our county.”

Since the launch of the ‘Just Drop It’ knife crime campaign by the county’s Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit in November of last year, more than 4,400 knives have been recovered from weapons surrender bins by Bedfordshire Police, marking the forces’ highest figures in five years.

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard said: “I support any measure that will see tougher laws around knife crime. The prevention of knife crime, especially ensuring that young people do not carry, let alone use knives to commit violence, has to be a core mission for the police, local authorities and schools.

“We need to introduce new measures such as the government’s proposed youth hubs to provide diversionary opportunities, counselling and support for young people. We need to improve mental health services, tackle serious crime, and break serious crime gangs which, all too often, can breed knife crime amongst innocent and vulnerable young people.

“I wish to enhance the resources for and reach of our Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU), while supporting Bedfordshire Police and empowering those affected to drive change. The message is clear; don’t pick up a knife and if you do, then drop it.”