Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, and MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron, are encouraging residents to hand in ‘zombie knives’ and machetes to Police in Kendal.
An amnesty surrender scheme has been put in place to allow those who have these weapon types to hand them over safely and legally to Police Stations across the county. This amnesty follows the Government’s announcement that owning certain types of ‘zombie knives’ and machetes will be illegal with new legislation coming into effect on 24 September 2024 to tackle knife crime across the county.
Those looking to hand in a knife, can do so at Kendal Police Station, Busher Walk LA9 4RJ open Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Knife crime has a detrimental effect on not only the victim but on families, friends, and communities as a whole.
“There is absolutely no need for anyone to be carrying zombie knives or machetes on our streets or own one at all.
“The fact is if you carry it, you are more likely to use it, have it used against you or encourage others to do so - and this is what we want to avoid. Therefore, I am encouraging anyone that has these types of knives to hand them in to a Police Station that is part of the amnesty.
“To be very clear - after the amnesty has ended on 24 September, if you are caught with these types of knives, you will face prosecution.
“Cumbria is a safe place to live and we all want to protect the county’s safety so it is imperative that we work together to reduce knife crime in to the county.
“Between January 2024 and March 2024 in Cumbria, the Criminal Justice System dealt with 141 knife and offensive weapons offenders – 25.5% of these were repeat offenders. This is below the national average of 31.5%.
“I want to be incredibly clear – if you are a repeat offender in Cumbria you will face the full force of the law. There is absolutely no excuse for carrying any weapons on our streets.
“Do the right thing – hand your ‘zombie knives’ and machetes in to the Police before the 24 September and keep yourself and others safe.
“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the Police and Fire services – I am your voice. If any member of the public has a concern about crime in their area, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734.”
Tim Farron MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale said: "This is a brief, but vital opportunity for people to hand over these knives and to make our communities safer for everyone.
“I urge anyone who has such a weapon in their possession to take advantage of this amnesty and potentially save lives."
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.