Amnesty for zombie knives and machetes

Hertfordshire Constabulary will be conducting an amnesty for the surrender of ‘zombie’ knives and machetes, between Monday 26 August and Monday 23 September.

The amnesty is part of a national scheme preceding a new law that will come into force from Tuesday 24 September 2024, which will make it illegal to own certain styles of ‘zombie’ knives and machetes.

The legislation is aimed at removing specific types of knives from circulation and prohibits the sale and importation of knives which meet the criteria. Details can be found at New law to ban zombie-style knives and machetes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Ahead of the law change, the government is introducing a surrender and compensation scheme for those that currently own such knives.

The amnesty will begin next week (Monday 26 August), during which knives can be surrendered at Hatfield, Stevenage and Watford police stations. The locations and opening times of these stations can be found here: www.herts.police.uk/stations.

Anyone surrendering knives that meet the criteria will be eligible for compensation, under the government scheme. Detailed guidance on the kinds of weapons that will become illegal and eligible for surrender and compensation can be found at Compensation scheme for 'zombie' knives and machetes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Detective Sergeant Dan Stoddart, who is leading the campaign, said: “The amnesty is a chance for anyone who is in possession this type of weapon to surrender it legally and safely. Once the new legislation comes into force police will be able to seize any such weapons they find and prosecute the owner.

"Possession of banned weapons, even if just in a drawer at home, can mean a prison sentence of more than four years. The criteria set out in the new law is quite specific – generally, any knife over eight inches in length and with one or more serrated edges could qualify, so if you own a knife which you think might be affected, please visit Gov.uk and read the details.”