Yesterday marked the first day of a new law against the possession and distribution of zombie-style knives and machetes in England and Wales.
The new ban follow the four-week amnesty programme across Salford, that encouraged members of the public to surrender their weapons to the local authorities without prosecution.
The most recent plans were held inline with the governments compensation scheme, with multiple police units carrying out a variety of events across the city.
It will soon be illegal to own a zombie-style knife or machete.
Surrender your weapon at Swinton Police Station on Chorley Road before the law changes on 24 September 2024.
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pmMore info: https://t.co/Yv06TY2Vub pic.twitter.com/WkReESo36y
— Salford Police (GMP) (@GMPSalford) September 20, 2024
The new ban broadens the definition of a ‘zombie-knife’ which is now considered to be a blade over eight inches often brandishing a serrated edge, multiple holes in the blade, spikes, and/or more than two sharp points.
Ahead of the new ban police gave people across the city the opportunity to had in their knives, and safely dispose of them without fear of prosecution.
This new piece of legislation dubbed “Ronan’s Law” will make selling, transporting, making or owning these weapons an imprisonable offence.
Alongside the new legislation, Greater Manchester Police are continuing to run a specialised crime reduction task forces called Operation Venture.
The task force specialise in decreasing knife crime across Greater Manchester, already seizing 181 weapons since 2022.
Superintendent Caroline Hemingway who leads GMP’s response to knife crime said: “We remain committed and determined to ensure the impact of knife crime is tackled head on with robust policing and effective education.
“Prevention is prioritised, and we do a lot of work in schools and with health partners. It’s not just about policing our way out of the issue.”
“What this scheme will do is give us the opportunity to take more knives off the streets, but potentially save lives.”
Pooja Kanda, mother of sixteen year-old knife victim Ronan, has been campaigning for this legislation change after the death of her son.
Ronan Kanda was murdered close to his home in Wolverhampton after he visited a friend’s house to buy a PlayStation controller in June 2022.
She said: “Knife crime is terrifying communities and destroying families like mine.”
“Too many mothers get the devastating news that I got, telling you that your child has been stabbed to death and is not coming back.”
“In that moment your entire existence changes forever.”
Possession of a bladed article, offensive weapon or zombie-style knife in public carries a maximum penalty of up to four years in prison.
With the new legislation in place, anyone found with a zombie knife or machete can now face a maximum of six months in prison.
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