A list of police stations where soon-to-be illegal zombie-style knives can be surrendered over coming weeks has been issued by the Durham force.

The scheme, launched by the Government this week, gives a one-month surrender period for owners to hand in their weapons to the police and to enable them to then claim compensation.

It will run until 23 September, as from Tuesday September 24 it will become illegal to own zombie-type knives and machetes under new legislation.

The new law will cover the manufacture, supply, sale, possession and importation of these weapons.

(Image: Home Office)

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 hope the initiative will help to remove as many of the weapons from the streets, without owners fearing repercussions.

During her time as Shadow Home Secretary, prior to the General Election, since when she has been appointed into the senior Cabinet post, Ms Cooper saw at first hand the moves to combat knife crime in the North East.

She was a guest at a meeting, hosted by Durham University, of the North East Knife Crime Taskforce, which is backed by The Northern Echo, and which was launched last year.

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.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

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.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

In the Durham force area knives can be surrendered at the following locations.

  • Bishop Auckland Police Station, in Woodhouse Lane, DL14 6LB, which is open from Monday to Wednesday, between 8am and 4pm, and on a Thursday and Friday, from 8am to 5pm.
  • Durham City Police Station, in New Elvet, DH1 3AQ, which is open from Monday to Friday, between 8am to 6pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.
  • Peterlee Police Station, in St Aidans Way,  SR8 1QR, which is open between Monday and Friday, from 8am to 6pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.
  • Darlington Police Station, in St Cuthberts Way, DL1 5LB, between Monday and Friday, 8am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

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 allowing 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 intending to surrender weapons need to download and complete this form and take it to the police station.

Carry the claim form provides insurance should the intended donor be stopped by the police on the way to the police station.

See more crime stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

Holders of zombie knives in North East have a month to to hand them in

Yvette Cooper hails North East Knife Crime Taskforce model

First meeting of North East Knife Crime Taskforce in Durham

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At the station, they will be asked not to take them out until requested to do so by a police officer or a member of police staff.

Knives can also be handed in anonymously by putting them in surrender bins which are available across the country.

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, carries more information about the surrender and compensation scheme.