So called 'ninja swords' can be surrendered at Wiltshire Police stations
It's ahead of new legislation coming into action from August
Weapons dubbed as 'ninja swords' can be handed into police stations across Wiltshire from today as the drive to get knives off our streets continues.
For the next month, eligible bladed articles can be surrendered in return for an application to claim compensation, ahead new legislation coming into action from August.
The new law will make it illegal to own such weapons, unless a specific defence applies.
Weapons meeting the criteria can be handed in at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Salisbury and Trowbridge police stations.
Police tell us that in order to safely surrender these items, they must:
- Be made safe to handle for yourself and for the police, and be contained in a manner that allows them to be transported without causing distress or alarm to other members of the public.
- Be wrapped up and placed in a sealed bag or box. They must not be carried openly at any time.
- Not be taken out at the police station until you are requested to do so by a police officer or member of police staff.
More information on weapons that can be surrendered can be found here.
T/ Superintendent Paul Saunders said: “This legislation is welcome to allow us to tackle dangerous and impractical weapons, such as ninja swords. These weapons, often glamorised in popular culture, serve no legitimate purpose in our communities and pose a clear risk to public safety.
“From August 1, officers will have enhanced powers to seize such weapons wherever they are found, including in private homes, and individuals found in possession—regardless of intent—may face prosecution and a custodial sentence of over two years.
“The government has also introduced a compensation and surrender scheme for those who lawfully acquired these weapons prior to the changes. Full details, including eligibility and compensation amounts, are available via the official government website.
“It is imperative that individuals follow the prescribed surrender procedures carefully. All weapons must be securely contained during transport and must not be displayed at any time, except when specifically requested by a police officer or member of police staff. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
“I strongly encourage anyone in possession of a prohibited weapon, including ninja swords, to act responsibly and take this opportunity to surrender them through the proper channels.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “There is absolutely no practical reason for anyone to be in possession of a ninja sword in everyday life, and I fully support this new surrender and compensation scheme as a proactive step to reduce the availability of dangerous weapons ahead of the upcoming legislation.
“Wiltshire continues to have some of the lowest knife crime rates in the country, however even a single incident involving a bladed weapon can have devastating consequences for victims, families, and communities.
“My office remains committed to working with partners across education, enforcement, and prevention to make it clear that carrying any kind of bladed weapon—whether it’s a so-called ninja sword or any other type—puts lives at risk and carries serious legal consequences.”
If you have a bladed article which doesn’t meet the criteria, but you’d like to safely surrender at any time of the year, please remember we have several surrender bins at the following locations:
- Wiltshire Football Association Headquarters, Devizes
- Broadgreen Community Centre, Swindon
- Liden Library, Swindon
- Pinehurst Community Centre, Swindon
- Walcot Dome, Swindon
- Meadowcroft Playing Fields, Swindon
There are also three bins provided by the charity Owen’s World which are situated in:
- New College - Queen's Drive, Swindon
- New College - North Star Campus, Swindon
- John Moulton Hall, Swindon