Force joins national knife surrender scheme

Northamptonshire Police is taking part in a national surrender and compensation scheme for some knives.

From September 24, it will be illegal to possess, sell, manufacture and transport zombie-style knives and machetes.

Between Monday, August 26, and Monday, September 23, people will be able to hand in these knives to the police and claim compensation from the Home Office.

The surrender and compensation scheme is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to tackling serious violence and strengthening police powers.

Under the scheme, lawful owners will be able to claim compensation once the item is handed in to police. The standard compensation for each item is £10. If you think your item is worth more, you can claim for the higher amount with supporting evidence such as a purchase receipt.

Northamptonshire Police is dedicated to tackling knife crime and with the Youth Violence Intervention Unit, is taking a long-term approach to improving the lives of young people involved in this crime type.

Detective Superintendent Andy Glenn, Northamptonshire Police’s lead for serious violence, said: “Tackling knife crime is a priority for us and we welcome any new measures that will help to reduce risks to the public.

“The knife surrender scheme offers people a chance to dispose of zombie knifes and machetes in a legal and safe way ahead of the change in law that comes into effect at the end of September, at which point it will be a criminal offence to possess, sell, manufacture and transport them.

“The Home Office are offering a compensation scheme for anyone who hands in a zombie knife or machete between August 26 and September 24, which we hope will encourage people to hand in these items.”

Northamptonshire Police is dedicated to tackle knife crime and with the Youth Violence Intervention Unit, is taking a long-term approach to improving the lives of young people involved in this crime type.

Det Supt Glenn added: “We know that some young people carry knives in the mistaken belief that it will make them safer, however doing so will put you at more risk and can affect your future and ruin your life. Carrying a knife can and does result in serious injury, death, prison sentences and impact on your ability to get jobs.

“Lots of help and support is available for people who feel they need to carry or use knives, you can find out more about what’s on offer via www.northants.police.uk/knifecrime.”  

Items can be surrendered at these designated front offices:

Weston Favell Police Station, Pyramid Close, Weston Favell, Northampton, NN3 8NZ. Open: Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm (closed between 12 - 1pm)

Daventry Police Station, New Street, Daventry, NN11 4BS. Open: Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm

Wellingborough Police Station, Midland Road, Wellingborough, NN8 1HF. Open: Monday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm

Steps to follow

People surrendering items must ensure that the items are safe to handle while travelling to the police station and while on police premises. They must be contained in a manner that allows them to be transported without causing distress or alarm to other members of the public.  

Items must be wrapped up and placed in a sealed bag or box. They must not be carried openly at any time. Carrying bladed articles in public without a good reason or lawful authority is an offence.

Carrying the items according to these instructions and accompanied by the claim form will allow individuals to claim that they have a ‘good reason’ - namely that they are about to surrender the articles - if stopped by the police. Once in the police station, the person mustn't take the item out until requested to do so by a police officer or member of police staff. 

Further details of the surrender scheme, a list of items covered, their definition and guidance on how to transport them safely can be found by visiting the Home Office's dedicated web page.

 

How to claim compensation

Claims for compensation must be made when you hand the knife or knives over to the police. You will not be able to claim later.

You will need to complete the necessary parts of the surrender and compensation form to make a claim.

The standard compensation for each item is £10. If you think your item is worth more, you can claim for the higher amount with supporting evidence such as a purchase receipt.

All claim forms will be sent to the Home Office for processing.

If you have a query about your claim, you can email the Home Office case working team.

You can find out more about the scheme here.