Zombie-style knives amnesty ahead of ban

People are able to surrender the knives at six police stations across the county

Police in Lincolnshire are urging the public to hand in zombie-style knives and machetes before legislation makes them illegal to own.

From 24 September, the weapons will be banned under legislation passed by the previous Conservative government.

People in England and Wales have from 26 August to 23 September to surrender the knives and claim compensation from the Home Office.

Surrender bins will also be available at the designated stations for anonymous drop-offs of any kind of knife without compensation, police said.

Insp Carrie Diamond, the force's lead on knife crime, said: “This is a really important piece of legislation because it means another weapon with the potential to cause serious harm is being taken off the streets.

"These weapons are really frightening to look at, and designed to cause harm; there is no practical purpose to own one of these weapons, and I would encourage anyone who has one to make use of the surrender period and dispose of it in a safe way."

Those who give up their weapons freely during that time period will not be arrested or face prosecution, the government said.

Participants in the surrender scheme in Lincolnshire can hand in zombie-style knives and machetes at police stations in Boston, Gainsborough, Grantham, Lincoln, Louth and Skegness.

Handing weapons in

Lincolnshire Police has also issued the following advice for handing weapons in:

• Ensure the weapon/s are securely wrapped and sealed in a bag or box – consider using something like a towel to wrap it, and do not get it out in public.

• Make a specific journey to surrender the weapon and do not carry it with you for longer than necessary.

• When you get to the police station, explain to staff that you are there to surrender a zombie-style knife or machete, and don’t take it out of the packaging until staff instruct you to do so.

The amnesty compensation scheme was approved by Parliament earlier this year.

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