Measures to clamp down on zombie knives and machetes have been welcomed by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.
Today (Wednesday 30 August), the Home Office announced plans to ban more ‘zombie-style’ knives and machetes as well as giving the police more powers to seize and destroy them.
Under the new measures, the definition of a zombie knife will be expanded to include any bladed weapon more than eight inches.
The law will also be tightened with the maximum sentence for the importation, manufacturing, possession and sale of the weapons increased to two years.
The government said the measures, first proposed in April, will be legislated “when parliament allows” and after a public consultation has taken place.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion: “I welcome today’s announcement by the Government that recognises the severe harm knives can cause when in the wrong hands.
“In West Mercia, knife crime rates are low but we cannot be complacent. One life lost is too many and that’s why I remain committed to supporting the award-winning Steer Clear project which works with young people to intervene and prevent knife crime.
“I also applaud the proactive work of West Mercia Police who is working tirelessly in communities to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife and enforcing the law when incidents do occur, helping in our joint mission to build a Safer West Mercia.”
