A crackdown on so-called ‘zombie’ knives and machetes has been launched in Cornwall before they become illegal next month.

All police forces in England and Wales, including Devon and Cornwall Police, are now taking part in a month-long scheme top remove such knives and machetes from the streets.

Anyone owning one can surrender it over the next month and will be eligible to get compensation for doing so, if they meet certain criteria.

A new law will come into force from Tuesday, September 24, 2024 making it illegal to own certain styles of zombie knives and machetes. This aims to remove them from circulation and prohibits the sale and importation of knives that meet the criteria.

To continue owning one after this date, even if it just kept in a drawer at home, could result in a prison sentence of four years or more.

Zombie-style knives and zombie-style machetes are described in law as a bladed article with a plain cutting edge, a sharp pointed end, and a blade of over eight inches in length (in a straight-line distance from the top of the handle to the tip of the blade).

They may also have one or more of the following features:

  1. A serrated cutting edge
  2. More than one hole in the blade
  3. Spikes
  4. More than two sharp points in the blade

The government scheme, which runs until September 23, 2024, enables owners of zombie-style knives and machete weapons to surrender them. Anyone surrendering knives that meet the criteria will be eligible for compensation.

Detailed guidance on the kinds of weapons that will become illegal and eligible for surrender and compensation can be found on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/compensation-scheme-for-zombie-knives-and-machetes

People who surrender zombie knives and machetes in the next month will be eligible for compensation if they meet the criteria (Image: Joe Giddens/PA)

There are also details on how to securely and safely package and transport a weapon to the police station.

There are multiple police stations in Cornwall and Devon where these surrendered weapons can be taken and compensation claims made from members of the public. These stations are:

  • Barnstaple Police Station
  • Bodmin Police Station
  • Bude Police Station
  • Camborne Police Station
  • Charles Cross Police Station
  • Crownhill Police Station
  • Devonport Police Station
  • Exeter Police Station
  • Honiton Police Station
  • Looe Police Station
  • Newquay Police Station
  • Newton Abbott Police Station
  • Penzance Police Station
  • St Austell Police Station
  • Tiverton Police Station
  • Torquay Police Station
  • Truro Police Station

The addresses and opening times for these police stations can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website - www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact/find-a-police-station/

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Fleetwood, knife crime lead for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “Devon and Cornwall region is the one of the safest areas to live with the second lowest overall rate of crime in the country.

“Knife crime is not a major issue in our region, however we take it very seriously and will continue to educate the public and aim to remove knife crime from the streets.

“Possession of banned weapons, even if just in a drawer at home, can mean a prison sentence of more than four years.

“The new law is that any knife over eight inches in length and with one or more serrated edges are now illegal, so if you own a knife which you think might meet this criteria, please visit [the website] and read the details.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “People may not even be aware that it soon becomes illegal for them to own a zombie knife they might have bought years ago – even if they keep it at home.

“I’d urge anyone with a knife that meets the criteria to take this opportunity to surrender it and claim compensation.

“I’d also urge them to suggest friends and family members take advantage of this opportunity too.”

  • If you have any information about knife crime in your area, or are concerned about someone you know who carries a knife, you can report it online at devon-cornwall.police.uk

You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org

If a crime is in progress or a life in danger always dial 999.