POLICE in Warrington are holding an amnesty event throughout July ahead of a change in the law surrounding Ninja Swords.
From August 1 it will be a criminal offence to possess a ninja sword or manufacture, import of sell them.
It is already a criminal offence to carry the weapons in public and can result if a jail sentence of up to four years.
The amnesty will last until July 31 and will allow people who possess a ninja sword to hand it in at Warrington Police Station in Arpley Street.
They can also be handed in at police stations throughout Cheshire and the rest of the country.
The scheme is said to be the largest surrender scheme ever conducted in England and Wales.
Ninja swords are defined as having a blade between 14 and 24 inches, a straight cutting edge, and a tanto-style point (angled tip).
To be eligible to claim compensation for one of the ninja swords, you must lawfully own the item and be able to provide proof, such as a receipt, that it was bought before March 27 this year
Police are encouraging anyone who currently owns one of these swords to surrender it to the police before they become illegal, irrespective of the compensation scheme.
Compensation can only be claimed at the same time as a weapon is being handed over and those doing so should download and complete a compensation form before attending one of the five designated Cheshire Police helpdesks.
Superintendent Cath Jones, who is leading Cheshire’s response to the amnesty, said:
“Our officers work tirelessly all year round to keep the county’s streets weapons free and to reduce the number of incidents involving knives and other bladed articles.
“As part of these efforts, we are supporting our fellow forces across the country in a national amnesty campaign relating to Ninja swords, which, from August 1, will be illegal to possess. Anyone found in possession of one of these blades after Friday August 1 will be breaking the law and could face a six-month prison sentence.
“Anyone looking to hand in a blade of this kind must ensure the sword is wrapped and placed in a sealed bag or box and not carried openly in public at any time. Once inside the station, you must not take out the weapon until requested to do so.
“If you have any queries, please do contact your local helpdesk.”
