Lincolnshire Police launch amnesty to surrender zombie knives before new law

Police have launched an amnesty urging residents to surrender their "zombie-style" knives and machetes.

Lincolnshire Police's initiative precedes a new law taking effect on September 24, adding these weapons to the list of prohibited items.

The amnesty, running from today (Monday, August 26) to September 23, aligns with a nationwide campaign.

During this period, residents can hand over their zombie knives at designated police stations across Lincolnshire, with the option to apply for compensation through the Home Office.

After the September deadline, possessing, selling, or manufacturing these weapons will be illegal.

Inspector Carrie Diamond, Lincolnshire Police's lead on knife crime, highlighted the importance of this legislation.

"These weapons are really frightening to look at and are designed to cause harm; there is no practical purpose to own one of these weapons, and I would encourage anyone who has one to make use of the surrender period and dispose of it in a safe way," she stated.

The surrender process is designed to be straightforward and secure.

Residents should securely wrap the weapons and take them to one of six police stations in the county —Lincoln, Boston, Gainsborough, Grantham, Louth, and Skegness.

Upon arrival, they should inform front desk staff about their intention to surrender the weapon, which will then be securely stored.

Police will provide a receipt to support any compensation claim.

This initiative reflects a significant step in the ongoing battle against knife crime in the region.

Insp Diamond emphasised the broader aim of the law: "Tackling knife crime starts with prevention, and our ideal goal would be that nobody ever carries a knife or other offensive weapons; this law change will prevent people from being able to legally own one of these weapons in the first place."

Surrender bins for anonymous drop-offs will also be available.