From Thursday 18th August 2016, you could be facing up to four years in prison for making, lending or selling these items.
Sellers of “zombie knives” could face jail from this week onwards as a ban on the “horrific” weapons is coming into effect on Thursday. Ministers decided to take further actions towards banning the weapons, which can be up to 60 centimetres long with a serrated edge and carry images or words that promote violence. Inspired by horror films and often displayed as collectables, they can be purchased on the internet for as little as £10.
A reform to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 prohibiting the sale, manufacture, rental or importation of these weapons will become effective on Thursday which will see people manufacturing or distributing the items liable to face up to four years in prison.
The Home Office minister, Sarah Newton said: “This government will act wherever it is necessary to cut crime and keep our communities safe from danger”
“These Zombie killer knives glamourise violence and cause devastating damage – they have no place whatsoever in our society.”
An expert of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, stated that: “Zombie knives are absolutely horrific weapons. Forces are determined to reduce the harm caused by these and all other dangerous weapons. There is no place for knife crime within society and this ban is further commitment to keeping communities safe.”
A member of the Local Government Association (LGA), Morris Bright, spoke out on the matter: “Zombie knives have only one purpose – to threaten, injure or kill someone – and this ban, which the LGA has called for, will help reduce the number of lethal blades in society and stop online retailers unwittingly fuelling criminal activity which can lead to tragedy.”
“An industry-backed code of practice on the naming, promotion and packaging of all knives also needs to be created – similar to that of the alcoholic drinks industry – which would promote their responsible sale.”
Stefan Appleton, a teenager, was fatally stabbed with one such “zombie knife” earlier this year in the city of London. A 17-year-old youth was convicted of manslaughter and subsequently jailed.
The police have recorded a rising numbers in these type of incidents. The statistics show that the Police have logged 28,664 offences involving knifes and sharp objects, which marks a 10% raise compared to the previous 12 months. Based on these facts, statisticians suggested that the results could be a mixture of genuine rise in knife crime and improvement in the recording process of crimes.
The ban will be applied to England and Wales for the time being, with the legislation expected to be introduced in Norther Ireland soon.