Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is supporting a new ban on ninja-style swords by launching a month-long surrender scheme to help remove the deadly weapons from the streets.
Running until 31st July, the initiative is part of a national surrender scheme involving police forces across England and Wales. It comes ahead of new legislation that will make owning certain bladed weapons illegal.
Inspector Mike Minnock, tactical lead for knife crime in the Force, has said:
“Much like the zombie knives and machetes surrender scheme last year, we will be taking similar steps this time to make the most of this opportunity.
“Reassuringly we don’t see a lot of ninja swords often being used for criminality in our communities but this ban from the Government is an opportunity to reduce knife-enabled crime, which will help us in our work tackling knife crime.”
The new law aims to close a loophole surrounding the possession of some bladed weapons and will assist in prosecuting those who use them to cause harm. The amnesty allows owners to hand in any ninja-style swords without facing prosecution.
“When it comes to items like ninja swords, like zombie knives, where it is clear there is no conceivable reason to have these items beyond criminal intent, it is right that these items are seized,”
Those looking to surrender a weapon should check the Home Office guidance to see if it fits the criteria. A claim form must be downloaded and completed before handing the sword in at a local police front counter. Surrendered items may qualify for £5 compensation or more if their value can be proven.
Weapons can be deposited at designated knife bins or handed directly to officers at police stations.
From 1st August 2025, anyone found in possession of a ninja-style sword fitting the criteria – even in a private home – could face up to 6 months in prison, potentially rising to two years under Government plans.
More information can be found at www.hampshire.police.uk.
