Zombie-style knives and machetes ban comes into effect

Zombie-style knives and machetes are now banned from today under new legislation brought in by the Government to strengthen existing knife crime laws and to take dangerous weapons off the streets.

Throughout the summer, designated police stations were made available for you to surrender these weapons safely and legally, and claim compensation if you were eligible to. Now this opportunity has come to an end with the ban in place from today. 

It is one of multiple measures the Government is going to implement to tackle knife crime in our country. Further bans, tougher restrictions on online sales, and prevention methods to stop young people being drawn into crime are expected to be a part of those measures.

What is a zombie knife?

These are bladed weapons with: 

• a plain cutting edge
• a sharp pointed end, and
• a blade of over eight inches long

Which also has one or more of the following:

• a serrated cutting edge over two inches long
• more than one hole in the blade
• spikes
• more than two sharp points in the blade

What does the new law mean?

It is now illegal to own specific types of zombie knives and machetes. The law prohibits the possession, sale, manufacture, or transportation of these weapons.

Find out more here.

What could happen if I have one of these banned weapons?

Individuals found in possession of these prohibited weapons could face significant legal penalties, including imprisonment. The maximum sentence for possession of banned weapons is set to increase from six months to two years.

Tactical Lead for knife crime, Inspector Sarah Nicholson, said: “We must stop these dangerous knives ending up on our streets and in the hands of criminals. Officers will take robust and positive action towards anyone found in possession of any of these knives in order to protect our communities and keep them safe."

In 2023, we permanently installed surrender bins so that they are accessible all year round for knives or weapons to be disposed of across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, but no compensation is being offered, you can find where these are here.

If you have any information about knife crime you can report it on our website or call 101. Always call 999 in an emergency. 

You can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit the website here.