Salisbury Police istaking part in the latest government knife amnesty, which appeals for owners of zombie-style knives and machetes to give them in.

There are just under two weeks to go for owners of zombie-style knives and machetes to hand them over before they are added to the list of prohibited offensive weapons at 00:00hrs on 24 September 2024.

In a statement by Wiltshire Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “There is absolutely no practical use for these kinds of zombie-style weapons whatsoever, and I welcome the compensation scheme to give people the chance to hand over their weapons ahead of the new legislation.

“Whilst statistically Wiltshire may have some of the lowest levels of knife crime in the country, we’ve seen all too often how carrying a knife has led to serious injury and in the most tragic cases, loss of life.

“The focus of my office will be to continue to educate people around the dangers of carrying any type of bladed weapon and the risks they face if they’re caught by the police.”

Zombie-style knives and machetes are to be added to the list of prohibited offensive weapons (Image: Salisbury Police)

According to a Salisbury Police social media post, more than 220 bladed weapons have been handed in since the scheme began.

Zombie-style knives are bladed weapons which have one or more of the following features: a serrated cutting edge; more than one hole in the blade; spikes; more than two sharp points in the blade (unless they meet specific conditions found here).

The Compensation Scheme for 'Zombie' Knives and Machetes allows owners of the weapons to be compensated in return for handing them in.

According to the scheme’s guidance, “the standard compensation amount for each surrendered weapon will be £10, though applicants will be able to claim that the value of their weapon exceeds this amount.”

Following the scheme the government announced a new Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, which was launched on Monday.

At a summit in Downing Street, the Prime Minister was joined by Idris Elba and his Elba Hope Foundation, and they aim to “tackle knife crime and stop young people being dragged into violent gangs.”

To hand in their knives owners must go to their nearest designated police station, which can be located by clicking here.

The following Wiltshire Police stations are taking part in the scheme:

  • Salisbury Police Station, Bourne Hill, Salisbury, SP1 3UZ
  • Swindon Gablecross Police Station, Shrivenham Road, Swindon, SN3 4RB
  • Chippenham Police Station, Monkton Park, Chippenham, SN15 1ER
  • Trowbridge Police Station, Polebarn Road, Trowbridge, BA14 7EP