Thirty ninja swords surrendered to police forward of ban

Thirty ninja swords have been surrendered at police stations throughout Avon and Somerset throughout the Home Office’s month-long amnesty scheme. 

The marketing campaign, which urged members of the general public to soundly transport and hand in any ninja sword of their possession, ran all through England and Wales in July.  

At midnight on Friday 1 August, possession of those bladed weapons grew to become unlawful. This means the possession, manufacture, importation, sale and provide of ninja swords at the moment are prohibited, contributing to native and nationwide efforts to cut back knife-related violence, particularly amongst youngsters and younger individuals, on our streets.  

Being present in possession of a ninja sword might result in imprisonment for as much as six months, rising to 2 years underneath new measures within the Crime and Policing Bill.   

Chief Inspector Mike Vass, Knife Crime Lead at Avon and Somerset Police, stated: “The 30 ninja swords we obtained in July are 30 doubtlessly lethal weapons faraway from our communities, and one other constructive step in the direction of making our streets safer. I’m grateful to the law-abiding members of the general public who did the best factor by surrendering their property safely. 

“Many individuals who personal ninja swords don’t have felony intent and, till this second, house owners could have had them saved at dwelling as a collector’s merchandise. But when these weapons fall into the improper fingers, they will have deadly and life-changing penalties. 

“The ban launched right this moment will act as a deterrent to some, but tackling knife crime is not going to be achieved by way of enforcement and deterrence alone. It requires a holistic method, specializing in the basis causes of knife carrying and prioritising training, prevention and assist to handle this behaviour. 

“We continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure appropriate diversion and safeguarding interventions are put in place for those identified as at risk of serious violence.” 

Today’s ninja sword ban comes inside a 12 months of an analogous give up scheme for ‘zombie-style’ knives and machetes, which grew to become unlawful on 24 September 2024. 

Where to report and discover assist

Alongside these legal guidelines and initiatives making it more durable to entry harmful weapons, Avon and Somerset Police are asking the general public to proceed to share issues and data round knife offences, in addition to speaking brazenly with their youngsters in regards to the dangers and devastating penalties of carrying a knife. 

• The Fearless website gives lots of assist, steering and recommendation on what to do if you’re anxious about many various kinds of crime, together with knife crime. You can report 100 per cent anonymously through their web site or by calling 0800 555 111. None of your private data will likely be recorded, nor will anyone name you again.

• The Ben Kinsella Trust additionally has a free information and gives sensible recommendation for folks, carers and professionals on learn how to speak to younger individuals about knife crime.

Use police give up bins to eliminate knives

Following July’s amnesty interval, members of the general public are nonetheless inspired to make use of police give up bins, situated at police stations and neighborhood websites, to eliminate outdated and undesirable knives. This is the most secure method of eliminating bladed objects with out inflicting hurt. You can discover out the situation of your nearest give up bin right here: Report the usage of knives and weapons | Avon and Somerset Police