Cumbria police will be running an amnesty for zombie-style knives and machetes from Monday.
The amnesty, which runs until September 23, is part of a national scheme launched by the Home Office ahead of new legislation coming into effect on September 24.
The new law will make it illegal to own certain types of zombie knives and machetes and will cover the manufacture, supply sale and important of the weapons.
Anyone lawfully owning these types of weapons will be able to surrender the weapon and submit a claim for compensation at the same time under the amnesty scheme.
Chief Inspector Kim Brown said: “We would urge owners of these specific knife varieties to hand them into us to surrender them legally and safely. It is a quick process, and your action will help make your community a safer place.
“From September 24 police will have powers under the new legislation to seize any such weapons and owners could be prosecuted. This includes weapons stored in your home.
“There is absolutely no excuse for carrying a knife in Cumbria – particularly of the variety covered by this new legislation.
“I would like to reassure the community that Cumbria remains one of the safest places to live, work and visit. We can all help keep it that way by speaking to family members about the dangers of carrying a knife and the potential consequences if they attempt to use it or are caught in possession.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen said: “No one in Cumbria needs to own or carry zombie knives or machetes – the fact is if you carry it, you are more likely to use it or have it used against you or encourage others to do so – and this is what we want to avoid.
“I would absolutely encourage anyone that has these types of weapon in their possession to hand it into one the county’s amnesty stations – To be very clear – after the amnesty has ended on 24 September, if you are caught with these types of knives, you will face prosecution.
“Cumbria is a safe place to live and we all want to protect the county’s safety so it is imperative that we work together to reduce knife crime in to the county. No-one needs to carry these weapons, you are safe in Cumbria.
“Do the right thing – hand your zombie knives and machetes in to the police before September 24 and keep yourself and others safe.”
Eligible knives and machetes can be handed in at the following police stations:
- Carlisle Durranhill Station – Brunel Way, CA1 3NQ
- Workington Station – Hall Brow CA14 4AP
- Barrow Station – Andrews Way LA14 2UE
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. Sunday, 10am to 4pm
- Kendal Station – Busher Walk LA9 4RJ
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. Saturday 8am to noon. Sunday, closed.
You must bring photo identification with you to a station in order to take part in the surrender and compensation scheme.
Officers are requesting weapons be transported from your address directly to a police station in a private vehicle (not public transport). You item must be wrapped in sealed bag or box. It must always stay covered and out of sight during transportation so as not to cause alarm in or around police stations.
