Norfolk charity says more funding is needed to tackle knife crime in the county
Machetes and so-called Zombie Knives will be banned from September the 24th
A charity in Norfolk- that was set-up after a local teenager was stabbed to death- is telling us that greater funding and awareness is key to reducing knife-crime in the county
Official figures show that there was 17 per-cent increase in this, between the end of 2022 and last year.
The Government said there will not be any repercussions for those surrendering these potentially dangerous knives safely, before September the 24th.
Machetes and so-called Zombie Knives will be banned, from this date late next month.
The Government said anyone found with a zombie-style knife or a machete following the ban will face time behind bars.
"Nobody can tell that story better than somebody who has gone through it themselves"
Lorraine Bliss is from 'The Joe Dix Foundation':
"Getting across the dangers and consequences of having a knife is really important. The minute that you pull a knife you're going to prison and that's irrelevant if you used it or not".
"Emma & Phil Dix and their wider family have lived experience, they've lost a son. Nobody can tell that story better than somebody who has gone through it themselves.
"We have those families go into schools and talk about signs that they missed.
"There is never enough money for this work, but I cannot emphasise how important creating awareness around this is, especially with young people and those who work with them".
This Knife Amnesty in more detail:
The scheme will run for four weeks - between August 26 and September 23 - in police stations across England and Wales.
Those in possession of any knives are being encouraged to contact their police station first to get advice on how to package up any weapons and bring them into the station.
Anyone can also anonymously dispose of weapons using surrender bins, by contacting their local police force, the council or an anti-knife crime charity to find out about alternative options in their area.
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Dame Diana Johnson is Minister of State for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention:
Dame Diana said: "Too many people have access to weapons that can lead to devastating, life-changing consequences.
"There is no legitimate need for a weapon of this kind to be in our homes or on our streets. That is why we will continue to make sure the tightest restrictions are in place to limit the availability of these lethal weapons.
"Implementing a ban on zombie-style knives is just the first step in our ambitious, dedicated plan to halve knife crime within a decade, and will closely be followed by making ninja swords illegal.
"It is absolutely crucial that members of the public come forward and safely hand in these weapons. We are offering people the chance to do the right thing - to help make our streets safer, prevent further loss of life and save so many futures.
"We cannot do this alone, political, policing and community leaders must work together to bring the knife crime epidemic to an end and offer a better future for our young people."