‘Zombie knives’ now banned in Wales

A BAN on the sale, importation and manufacture of “zombie knives” came into effect across Wales last week.

The UK Government has banning the “absolutely horrific” weapons also known as “zombie killer knives” and “zombie slayer knives” from last Thursday in England and Wales.

The knives can have cutting blades of up to 25 inches, have a serrated edge and include images or words that glamorise violence.

It’s hoped that the move will cut crime with anyone caught making or selling the weapons facing up to four years in prison.

Minister for vulnerability, safeguarding and countering extremism Sarah Newton said: “This government will act wherever necessary to cut crime and keep our communities safe.

“Zombie killer knives glamorise violence and cause devastating damage – they have no place whatsoever in our society.

“We committed to banning the sale, manufacture and importation of these dangerous weapons.

“With the ban now becoming law, we are delivering on our commitment. Anyone caught making or selling zombie knives now faces up to four years in prison.”

Chief Constable Alf Hitchcock, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead member for knifeenabled crime, added: “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.”

Across the UK, 13 police forces undertook co-ordinated action against knife crime this year, with further weeks of action planned for later this year. It resulted in 401 arrests and 2,111 weapons taken off the street.

However, North Wales Police currently has no plans for a knife campaign or amnesty this year.