Police stations in Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds accepting surrendered blades ahead of zombie knife ban

Residents are being given the chance to surrender knives ahead of a new legislation which will ban carrying certain types of blades.

Yesterday, the Government began its knife amnesty scheme, which aims to remove certain types of blades from circulation.

Anyone who owns a certain type of ‘zombie knife’ or machete can hand it into police at three locations across Suffolk for compensation, which will run until September 23.

The knife, as well as a form available on the Government’s website, should be taken to one of the following police stations:

- Princes Street, Ipswich

- Raingate Street, Bury St Edmunds

- Old Nelson Street, Lowestoft

What is the new legislation?

Zombie style knives and machetes will be added to the list of banned weapons from September 24.

Once the new law comes into effect, being caught in possession of a banned knife could land that person in jail for up to four years.

Standard compensation for banned weapons is £10, although applicants can contest if a weapon is worth more should they have proof.

To be eligible for compensation, anyone handing in a knife must prove they are the legal owner.

They will also have to sign a declaration stating the weapon was acquired legally.

According to the Home Office, payouts cannot be made for claims less than £30, meaning people who hand in a single items cannot receive compensation unless they hand in three or more.

The types of knives which are eligible for the scheme can be found here.

Suffolk Police’s thoughts

Suffolk Police welcomed the new legislation.

Sergeant Steve Wright, who is leading Suffolk’s amnesty scheme, said he believed the new laws would help officers tackle knife-related crime in Suffolk.

“Whilst the majority of people know that carrying a knife in public is an offence, it’s important that everyone realises that possession of a banned weapon carries a sentence of four years in prison,” he said.

“The criteria set out in the new law dictates that any knife over eight inches in length and with one – or more – serrated edge could meet the requirement of a banned knife.”

Sgt Wright said the harm caused by knife crime meant it remained a priority for the force.

He added: “We remain committed to preventing and reducing knife crime, and continue to work closely with partners and schools to achieve this by taking a proactive approach to raise awareness and reduce offending.

“Suffolk Constabulary will continue to take robust action to those who break the law and remain committed to proactively tackling knife crime and violent offending.”

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said anything that removed knives from circulation and banned their sale had his full support.

Suffolk is a safe place to live, he said, and it was vital everyone did their best to keep it that way.

Mr Passmore added: “My message to anyone who is even considering carrying a knife is – don’t. Carrying a knife or sharp-bladed instrument does not make you safer, in fact it’s completely the opposite. If you have a knife, bin it appropriately now.”