Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is backing the Home Office ninja sword surrender scheme, giving owners until July 31st to hand in weapons before possession becomes illegal from August.
The month-long amnesty, running from July 1st to July 31st, forms part of a nationwide initiative across England and Wales to remove dangerous weapons from circulation ahead of new legislation taking effect.
Inspector Mike Minnock, the force’s tactical lead for knife crime, 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 upcoming legislation seeks to address a legal loophole concerning certain bladed weapons and will strengthen prosecution powers against those who use them to inflict harm.
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Current owners can surrender their weapons during the amnesty period without facing prosecution.
“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,” Inspector Minnock added.
The constabulary advises anyone possessing a ninja-style sword to consult Home Office guidance to determine whether their weapon meets the specified criteria.
Owners must complete a claim form before surrendering weapons at police station front counters. Those handing in weapons may claim £5 compensation, or higher amounts with proof of value.
Weapons can be surrendered at police station front counters or placed in designated knife bins.
From August 1st, 2025, possession of qualifying ninja swords, even at private addresses, could result in six months’ imprisonment, with potential increases to two years under proposed government plans.
