National call to surrender all zombie-style knives and machetes

Durham Constabulary is now taking part in a new surrender and compensation scheme for zombie-style knives and zombie-style machetes.

The scheme that launched yesterday, (Monday, 26 August) by the Government, will see a one-month surrender period for owners to hand in their weapons to the police and claim compensation, which will run until 23 September.

From 24 September this year, it will become illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes under new legislation.

The new law will cover the manufacture, supply, sale, possession and importation of these weapons.

Surrender scheme

The surrender and compensation scheme is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to tackling serious violence and strengthening police powers to act.

Changes to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 will add zombie-style knives and zombie-style machetes to the list of prohibited offensive weapons. 

Under the scheme, these items can be surrendered to police. Lawful owners will be able to claim compensation for the items in most cases if the total value of the items is more than £30.

Further details of the surrender scheme, a list of items covered, their definition and guidance on how to transport them safely can be found by visiting the Home Office's dedicated web page.

How to hand over knives

Eligible knives can be handed in at the following police stations:

Bishop Auckland Police Station

Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 6LB

Station is open: Monday to Wednesday, 8am to 4pm and Thursday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Durham City Police Station

New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AQ

Station is open: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

Peterlee Police Station

St Aidans Way, County Durham, SR8 1QR

Station is open: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

Darlington Police Station

St Cuthberts Way, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 5LB

Station is open: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

People surrendering items must ensure that the items are safe to handle while travelling to the police station and while on police premises. They must be contained in a manner that allows them to be transported without causing distress or alarm to other members of the public.  

Items must be wrapped up and placed in a sealed bag or box. They must not be carried openly at any time. Carrying bladed articles in public without a good reason or lawful authority is an offence.  

You will need to download and complete this form and bring it to the station with you.

Carry the claim form with you in case you're stopped by the police on the way to the police station.

At the police station do not take the item out until you're asked to do so by a police officer or a member of police staff.

You can also hand in knives anonymously by putting them in surrender bins which are available across the country.

Sergeant Matt Fussey said: “The devastating and lasting impact of knife crime on individuals, families, and communities cannot be overstated.

“These weapons have always been illegal to possess in a public place, but this tightening and strengthening of the legislation will give us more powers to ensure these dangerous items are not sold, kept or used under any circumstances.

“Although our county has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the country, we remain committed to reducing weapon-based violence across our patch and employ a variety of strategies, including targeted initiatives such as Operation Sceptre knife amnesty, collaboration with Trading Standards to prevent underage sales, and partnerships with Border Force to stop the online trade of dangerous weapons.

“Additionally, our Neighbourhood Teams run educational programmes in schools for pupils between Year 6 to Year 11, as part of our broader engagement efforts, to emphasise the dangers of knife crime and its far-reaching consequences.

“In November, thanks to funding from Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, we equipped 32 force traffic cars with hand-held body scanners. These metal-detecting wands provide an extra layer of security, helping to keep knives off the streets of County Durham and Darlington.

“Our duty as a police force is to ensure public safety and to relentlessly pursue those who carry and use weapons.”

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen said: “I strongly welcome the introduction of this new legislation and the accompanying surrender scheme which will help to remove these lethal weapons from our streets where they can cause untold harm. Those who continue to carry these deadly blades in the future will face tougher consequences which will serve as a deterrent to others.

“We are fortunate to live in an area with a lower-than-average rate of serious violence. That said, every injury or fatality is one too many. It is imperative we stand together until the risk is eradicated altogether.

“Alongside tougher enforcement, it is important we continue to fund interventions and prevention programmes that seek to protect people from being drawn to serious violence in the first place, as well as those aimed at diverting people who are already engaging in risky behaviours before it escalates.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am working closely with partners across education, health, social care and the criminal justice system as part of the County Durham and Darlington Serious Violence Partnership. Through the Serious Violence Response Strategy 2024, we are undertaking research to unravel the root causes of violence and identify evidence-led solutions to prevent vulnerability and ultimately stop more needless deaths and injuries on our streets.”

If you are aware of anyone who carries a knife or have concerns that someone you know may carry a knife, please report it to police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.