Knives can cause serious and fatal injuries. The number of crimes involving knives in Norfolk remains low but our message is clear – don’t carry knives.

If you carry a knife you are more likely to become involved in a violent situation and get injured yourself.

 

Knife offences

It is illegal to carry any sharp or bladed instrument in a public place (with the exception of a folded pocket knife, which has a blade that is less than 7.62cm (3 inches)).

 

Lock Knife
A lock knife is not a folding pocket knife and therefore it is illegal to carry around such a knife regardless of the length of the blade.

A lock knife means a knife which is similar to a folding knife, in that there is a spring holding the blade closed. However, a lock knife has a mechanism which locks the blade in position when fully extended; the blade cannot be closed without that mechanism being released.

A lock knife is not an offensive weapon per se (because these knives were made with a specific purpose in mind and not as a weapon). However, possession of a lock knife in a public place without reasonable excuse is an offence.

 

Multi-tool
Possession of a multi-tool incorporating a prohibited blade/pointed article is capable of being an offence under this section even if there are other tools on the instrument which may be of use to a person in a public place (screwdriver, can opener).

It is for the person to prove on the balance of probabilities that he/she had good reason for possession.

The penalty for committing this offence is a minimum prison sentence of six months, maximum four years and/or a fine.

 

Offensive weapon
The definition of an offensive weapon is any article made or adapted for use for causing injury to the person, or intended by the person having it with him for such use by him, or by some other person. (N.B. this definition includes a disguised knife).

It is an offence to have in your possession an offensive weapon in a public place.

 

The Facts

• It is generally an offence to carry a knife in public without good reason or lawful authority.
• The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5000. If any kind of knife is used in a threatening way it is regarded as an offensive weapon by the law. 
• There is a complete ban on the sale of certain types of knives including: flick knives and butterfly knives - where the blade is hidden inside a handle that splits in two around it, like wings.
• Police officers may stop you, and have the right to search any person or vehicle, if they suspect you of an offence - including carrying an offensive weapon. More information on the stop-and-search police powers.