Wiltshire PCC urges zombie knife owners to ditch dangerous weapons
New legislation comes in on Tuesday making zombie knives illegal to possess
Last updated 23rd Sep 2024
People in Wiltshire with Zombie Knives are being urged by the county's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to take their last chance to surrender them.
Today (23/09) is the last day of a national surrender and compensation scheme before new legislation comes in on Tuesday (24/09).
The new laws will make it illegal to possess such a weapon.
PCC Philip Wilkinson said this last chance must be taken.
"Please ensure you hand any zombie-style weapons in while you still can. There is absolutely no practical use for these kind weapons whatsoever, and you will get in serious trouble for possessing one," he said.
Despite having some of the lowest levels of knife crime in the country, Wiltshire hasn't escaped the devastating impact of knife crime.
18-year-old Owen Dunn was stabbed to death in Swindon in December 2022, while 20-year-old father Tsvetomir Genov was died after being stabbed in Bemerton Heath in August 2023.
Eligible weapons can be handed in at either Swindon Gablecross, Trowbridge, Chippenham or Salisbury police stations until Tuesday 24 September. From then onwards it will be illegal to possess such weapons.
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.
The full criteria and guidance covering what bladed articles will be made illegal and are eligible for compensation can be found here.