A ban on “zombie style” knives and machetes will enter into force September 24, 2024, under a statutory instrument made on April 30, 2024.
The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment, Surrender and Compensation) Order 2024 amends the Criminal Justice Act (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988 to include “zombie style” machetes and knives as prohibited weapons under the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
Zombie style knives and machetes are “designed to look menacing and . . . do not have a practical use.” The order defines them as bladed articles with a plain cutting edge, a sharp pointed end, a blade at least eight inches long, and at least one of the following: a serrated cutting edge, one or more holes in the blade, spikes, or more than two sharp points in the blade. This definition is intended to exclude “machetes and knives that are designed for practical uses in agriculture, farming, outdoor pursuits, etc.”
The ban on these weapons is a result of an “increase in serious violence involving knives” and is part of a plan to “reduc[e] accessibility of some deadly weapons” and halve knife crime within a ten year period. The Explanatory Memorandum to the 2024 Order states,
[t]he primary policy objective is to support public safety. Police forces advise that there has been an increase in the number of “zombie style knives and machetes” used in the commission of criminal offences. The availability, aesthetic appeal and low cost of these weapons have made them one of the weapons of choice for youths with criminal intentions.
The Government is concerned by the increasing availability and proliferation of these weapons and seeks to introduce a complete ban to support public safety.
After September 24, 2024, it will be a criminal offense to import, possess, manufacture, sell, hire, lend, or give these types of weapons, punishable with up to four years imprisonment and/or a fine.
A compensation plan for individuals who surrender covered knives and machetes to designated police stations is running from August 26, 2024, until September 23, 2024. The compensation plan was set up as part of the statutory order.
The standard level of compensation for weapons surrendered under the plan is £10 (around US$13) for each weapon, though applicants may claim the value of their weapon exceeds this amount. Claims may only be made where the total value of the claim is at least £30 (around $40). This means that if only a weapon that is valued at £10 is surrendered, no compensation is payable, but if an individual surrenders three knives valued at £10 each, they are eligible for compensation of £30. The amount was set after consulting with weapons experts from the Royal Armouries.
In addition to the compensation plan, “surrender bins” have been set up where individuals can dispose of these weapons anonymously.
Clare Feikert, Law Library of Congress
September 20, 2024
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