North East police forces are backing the call for the new surrender and compensation scheme for zombie-style knives and machetes.
Launched by the Government this week, it gives a one-month surrender period for owners to hand in their weapons to the police and to be able to then claim compensation.
It will run until September 23, as from the following day, Tuesday September 24, it will become illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes under new legislation.
The new law will cover the manufacture, supply, sale, possession and importation of these weapons.
Zombie knives and machetes will then be added to the list of prohibited bladed weapons, already including butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.
Policing minister Diana Johnson and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper are advocates of the scheme to try to legally get the weapons off the streets, without owners fearing repercussions.
As Shadow Home Secretary, Ms Cooper saw at first hand the strength of feeling against knife crime in general, on a visit to the North East earlier this year.
She was a guest at one of the regular meetings of the North East Knife Crime Taskforce, backed by The Northern Echo, at Durham University.
The Home Secretary was impressed at the “joined up thinking” behind the drive to rid the North East of the scourge of knife crime, joining in the forum, which includes parents of knife murder victims, criminal justice professionals and education specialists.
She believed it could be a model for the way forward to tackle the issue, which has reared itself in the region with a series of high-profile killings by knife carriers in recent years.
Under the newly-introduced surrender scheme, the soon-to-be offending items can be handed over 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.
Further details of the surrender scheme, a list of items covered, their definition and guidance on how to transport them safely can be found by visiting the Home Office's dedicated web page.
Eligible knives can be handed in at police stations in Bishop Auckland, Durham, Peterlee and Darlington, at times listed on the force website.
People surrendering items must ensure they are safe to handle while travelling to the 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.
Those considering handing in any items will need to download and complete the following form and bring it with them to the station.
Carrying the claim form will assist in case the would-be donor is stopped by the police on the way to the station.
Once at the station the knives should not be taken out until handler is asked to do so by a police officer or a member of police staff.
Knives can be handed in anonymously by placing them in surrender bins which are available across the country.
Sergeant Matt Fussey said: “The devastating and lasting impact of knife crime on individuals, families, and communities cannot be overstated.
“These weapons have always been illegal to possess in a public place, but this tightening and strengthening of the legislation will give us more powers to ensure these dangerous items are not sold, kept or used under any circumstances.
“Although our county has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the country, we remain committed to reducing weapon-based violence across our patch and employ a variety of strategies, including targeted initiatives such as Operation Sceptre knife amnesty, collaboration with Trading Standards to prevent underage sales, and partnerships with Border Force to stop the online trade of dangerous weapons.
“Additionally, our Neighbourhood Teams run educational programmes in schools for pupils between Year 6 to Year 11, as part of our broader engagement efforts, to emphasise the dangers of knife crime and its far-reaching consequences.
“In November, thanks to funding from Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, we equipped 32 force traffic cars with hand-held body scanners.
“These metal-detecting wands provide an extra layer of security, helping to keep knives off the streets of County Durham and Darlington.
“Our duty as a police force is to ensure public safety and to relentlessly pursue those who carry and use weapons.”
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen said: “I strongly welcome the introduction of this new legislation and the accompanying surrender scheme which will help to remove these lethal weapons from our streets where they can cause untold harm. Those who continue to carry these deadly blades in the future will face tougher consequences which will serve as a deterrent to others.
“We are fortunate to live in an area with a lower-than-average rate of serious violence. That said, every injury or fatality is one too many. It is imperative we stand together until the risk is eradicated altogether.
“Alongside tougher enforcement, it is important we continue to fund interventions and prevention programmes that seek to protect people from being drawn to serious violence in the first place, as well as those aimed at diverting people who are already engaging in risky behaviours before it escalates.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am working closely with partners across education, health, social care and the criminal justice system as part of the County Durham and Darlington Serious Violence Partnership.
"Through the Serious Violence Response Strategy 2024, we are undertaking research to unravel the root causes of violence and identify evidence-led solutions to prevent vulnerability and ultimately stop more needless deaths and injuries on our streets.”
If you are aware of anyone who carries a knife or have concerns that someone you know may carry a knife, please report it to police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
In Cleveland, knives can be surrendered at the following stations: Middlesbrough Police Station, Bridge Street West; Stockton Police Station, Thistle Green; Hartlepool Police Station, Avenue Road; Kirkleatham Police Station, Troisdorf Way, Redcar. All are open Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm.
Individuals can also anonymously dispose of these weapons using safe surrender bins at these stations.
Assistant Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Richard Baker said: “Cleveland Police continue their work to tackle knife crime within our local communities, including proactive police operations in identified hotspot areas to tackle weapon related crime.
"Officers also carry out regular test purchase operations and responsible retailer visits to ensure retailers are complying with the law on the sale of knives. The maximum penalty for the importation, manufacturing, possession and sale of these newly proscribed weapons will also be increased from six months to two years, as will the maximum penalty for sales to under-18s.
“There is a strong focus on the identification, arrest and management of offenders who use knives, whilst we regularly run prevention and engagement programmes in schools and colleges to ensure students are informed of the law, risks and consequences of carrying knives.”
Superintendent Scott Cowie, of Northumbria Police’s Prevention department, said: “These types of weapons are incredibly dangerous and this move is an important one in removing them from society.
“As a force, we are committed to tackling knife crime and reducing the devastating impact it causes in our communities among victims and their families and loved ones.”
Supt Cowie added: “I would urge anyone who is in possession of one of these zombie-style weapons to arrange to hand it over during the coming weeks and visit one of our stations to do so.
“Once the deadline has passed, anyone found to be in possession of these weapons should be expect to face serious consequences, which could include time in prison.
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“If you have zombie-style knives, please hand them in and play your part in helping to keep our force area among the safest to live, work and visit in the country.”
In the Northumbria area knives can be handed in at Southwick Police Station, in Sunderland, Millbank in South Shields, Gateshead, Etal Lane and Forth Banks stations in Newcastle, Middle Engine Lane, in Wallsend, and at Alnwick, Bedlington, Berwick and Hexham stations, in Northumberland.
For more information on the scheme, visit the Home Office website at Compensation scheme for 'zombie' knives and machetes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or go to Zombie-style knives and machetes surrender and compensation scheme | Northumbria Police
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