Norfolk Constabulary welcomes new ‘ninja’ sword legislation

Norfolk Constabulary is welcoming new legislation that will make it illegal to own certain styles of ‘ninja’ swords.

The new law, which will come into force from Friday 1 August 2025, is aimed at removing specific types of swords from circulation and prohibits the sale and importation of swords that meet the criteria.

Ahead of this, the government is introducing a surrender and compensation amnesty scheme for those who currently own these types of swords. Anyone surrendering swords that meet the criteria will be eligible for compensation, under the government scheme, and detailed guidance on the kinds of knives that will become illegal and eligible for surrender with compensation can be found on the Gov.UK website.

The amnesty scheme will run between Tuesday 1 July and Thursday 31 July, before the ban comes into force.

During this time owners of knives which qualify for the scheme are asked to complete a compensation form from the Gov.UK website, and bring it, along with the knife, to one of the following places in Norfolk:

• Great Yarmouth Public Enquiry Office, Howard Street North
• King’s Lynn Public Enquiry Office, St James Street
• Norwich Public Enquiry Office, Bethel Street

Inspector Ian Cox, who is leading the amnesty scheme for Norfolk Police, said: “Tackling knife-related crime remains a priority for Norfolk Constabulary.

“We welcome measures which make it more difficult for people to obtain ninja-style weapons and hope this will build on the success of last year’s zombie knife surrender scheme.”

“The new law states that any blade between 14 and 24 inches long, with two straight cutting edges, a blunt spine and a tanto (or reverse tanto) style point could meet the criteria of the ban.

“It is important that everyone realises that carrying a knife in public is an offence. Possession of an offensive weapon can carry a sentence of up to four years in prison.

“Knife crime has devastating effects on families and communities, and we will continue to take a proactive approach to raise awareness and reduce offending.”

Further detail can be found here: Ninja sword surrender and compensation scheme - GOV.UK