Suffolk Constabulary welcomes new legislation to outlaw certain types of 'zombie' knives and machetes from 24 September. For current owners, a surrender and compensation amnesty scheme will run from 26 August to 23 September.
Why it matters: The law aims to remove dangerous weapons from circulation and reduce knife-related crime in Suffolk. Only this week we reported that knife crime re-offending rates in Suffolk hit highest levels in a decade.
The big picture:
Knives over 8 inches long with one or more serrated edges will be banned
Owners can surrender eligible knives at select police stations for compensation
Possessing a banned weapon carries a potential prison sentence of up to 4 years
What they're saying: Sgt Steve Wright, leading the amnesty scheme, said, "We welcome these measures that will make it more difficult for people to obtain zombie-style weapons, often used for the purposes of violence, and is an important development that will help us tackle knife-related criminality in Suffolk."
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore added, "Anything that helps removes knives from circulation and prohibits the sale and importation of knives has my full support."
How it works:
Check if your knife meets the criteria here
Download and complete the compensation form
Bring the form and knife to designated police stations in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, or Lowestoft
The bottom line: Suffolk Constabulary urges anyone considering carrying a knife to reconsider, emphasising that it does not increase personal safety.
