A MONTH-long surrender scheme has been issued by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary as the force supports the new ban on ninja-style swords.
Running from July 1 to July 31, the scheme aims to help take the deadly weapons off the streets before the ban comes into force.
It is part of a national surrender scheme in which police forces across England and Wales are participating.
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Inspector Mike Minnock, tactical lead for knife crime in Force said: “Much like the zombie knives and machetes surrender scheme last year, we will be taking similar steps this time to make the most of this opportunity.
“Reassuringly, we don’t see a lot of ninja swords often being used for criminality in our communities, but this ban from the government is an opportunity to reduce knife-enabled crime, which will help us in our work tackling knife crime.”
The new legislation aims to close a loophole surrounding the possession of certain bladed weapons and will help in prosecuting those who use them to cause harm.
The amnesty allows current owners of these items to hand them in without facing any action.
"When it comes to items like ninja swords, like zombie knives, where it is clear there is no conceivable reason to have these items beyond criminal intent, it is right that these items are seized."
The force is asking anyone who owns a ninja-style sword to check the Home Office guidance to see if it fits the criteria set out.
A claim form must then be downloaded and filled out, to be handed over to the police at one of the front counters when surrendering the sword.
People handing in these weapons can apply for £5 compensation or greater amounts if they can prove the weapon’s worth.
The weapons can be handed in at the front counters of police stations, or deposited in the knife bins.
From August 1, 2025, anyone found in possession of a ninja sword fitting the criteria, even in a private address, could face up to six months in prison, potentially increasing to two years under Government plans.
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