Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is taking part in a surrender and compensation scheme for zombie-style knives and zombie-style machetes being launched by the Government on Monday (26th August). The scheme will see a 1-month surrender period for owners to hand in their weapons to the Police and claim compensation, which will run until 23rd September. These items will be illegal to possess, sell, manufacture and transport from 24th September. Chief Superintendent Claire Jenkins, Force strategic lead for serious violence, has said:
“Tackling knife crime requires all agencies and partners working together, approaching this from a number of different angles. “Our commitment to disrupt and tackle serious violence through Operation Sceptre and ongoing work with the Violence Reduction Partnership, has seen a reduction of nearly 8% for the number of knife crime offences in our Force area, when compared to last year. “Knife crime can affect anyone, not just people in gangs. Young people say they carry them because of peer pressure or for protection – but in fact you are much more likely to become a victim of knife crime yourself. Situations involving weapons can quickly get out of control. If you are found with a knife – you will be arrested and are very likely to be charged with a crime for a first time offence. We must challenge the assumption that it’s normal to carry a knife. It isn’t. You are putting yourself, other people and your future at risk. “This surrender is key to help deal with the accessibility of deadly weapons and we are doing all we can to reduce how readily and easily they can end up in the wrong hands. “Many of these ‘zombie-style’ knives and machetes are clearly designed to intimidate and cause harm, rather than serve any practical purpose, so the ban will support us by significantly reducing their availability. “I would urge anyone in possession of a knife soon to be become prohibited to do the right thing and surrender it. To be clear from the 24th September you will be liable to arrest and prosecution if found with such a weapon. “If you don’t wish to take part in or are not eligible for the compensation scheme you can surrender any knives or weapons at a suitable knife bin which are readily available across the country.”
The surrender and compensation scheme is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to tackling serious violence and strengthening police powers to act. Changes to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 will add zombie-style knives and zombie-style machetes to the list of prohibited offensive weapons. Under the scheme, these items can be surrendered to Police. Lawful owners will be able to claim compensation for the items in most cases, if the total value of the items is more than £30. Claims can be submitted using a form which is available here. Items can be surrendered and compensation claimed at Newport Police Station (High Street Newport PO30 1SZ). People surrendering items must ensure that the items are safe to handle while travelling to the police station and while on police premises. They must be contained in a manner that allows them to be transported without causing distress or alarm to other members of the public. 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. Carrying the items according to these instructions and accompanied by the claim form will allow individuals to claim that they have a ‘good reason’ – namely that they are about to surrender the articles at the nearest designated police station – if stopped by the police. Once in the police station, the person must not take the item out until requested to do so by a police officer or member of police staff. Further guidance and information is can be found at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/notices/zk/zombie-style-knives-machetes-surrender-compensation-scheme/.
The fact that these weren’t already a prohibited offensive weapon is rather ridiculous…
Hahaha compensation! Jokers this lot
I’m sorry to be so negative but do you really think that those that choose to have this type of weapon will wake up
in the morning and say, “Ohh Wow, I really must hand in my “Zombie knife”
It just makes them even more of a status item to own for the “intellectually challenged”…
It is the type of person who carries such which ought to have been banned from this country.
For our own idiots have copied these twisted people where such is the norm in their home lands but now it is the norm wherever they choose to inflict themselves upon enmasse.
Not just here any country where such is proving that it’s not the place, nor the available weapons, as if not these then drain cleaner, vehicles, acid, or guns.
See the common denominator here
I’m afraid I don’t see a common denominator. In think I got lost in the pseudo racist innuendo.
Yes.
Stupid people and Reform supporters.
I have said it before !
GO AFTER THE SELLERS.
They are for sale on all the well known sites online.
Also on the Island there are shops that display some terrifying knives in their shop windows!
STOP THEM AT SOURCE that’s where to start, its not difficult.
It’s great that you’ve included a link in the article to the form requesting compensation for handing in a zombie knife.
I can just imagine the owner of a zombie knife sitting at home reading the Island Echo and thinking, ‘I know, I’ll follow that link, fill in the form and hand my knife in’. Because, it’s a well known fact that all zombie knife owners are typically Island Echo readers. I mean, come on, statistically, what are the chances?
Sadly, this will make absolutely NO DIFFERENCE to knife crime figures, as someone who is likely to carry something like this, with “intent” is not likely to hand it in, because it’s illegal to own. This is just (another) publicity “stunt.
Notice also, that there is little to no mention, by the media, that the majority of knife attacks are carried out by people using ordinary kitchen knives.
Will they ban those next?
I notice several comments have been taken down WHY!!!!!!
We have free speech here at the moment!
As long as it doesn’t contravene certain laws.
Not for much longer, look what happened in
France yesterday.
Why have you deleted my comment?