Inside Salisbury: Wiltshire Police - Surrender and Compensation
New legislation to clamp down on lethal ninja blades
By Annette J Beveridge
A call to hand in dangerous ninja swords has been launched today, with Wiltshire Police participating in the Surrender and Compensation scheme.
People can take the bladed article to a police station across the county and apply to claim compensation for doing so. The scheme runs from Tuesday, July 1 to Thursday, July 31.
From August 1, it will be illegal to own a ninja sword.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, said: “There is absolutely no practical reason for anyone to be in possession of a ninja sword in everyday life, and I fully support this new surrender and compensation scheme as a proactive step to reduce the availability of dangerous weapons ahead of the upcoming legislation.
“Wiltshire continues to have some of the lowest knife crime rates in the country; however, even a single incident involving a bladed weapon can have devastating consequences for victims, families, and communities.”
In Salisbury, ninja swords can be handed in to Bourne Hill Police Station.
He added: “My office remains committed to working with partners across education, enforcement, and prevention to make it clear that carrying any kind of bladed weapon - whether it’s a so-called ninja sword or any other type - puts lives at risk and carries serious legal consequences.”
To safely surrender the item, it must be safe to handle and contained so that it can be transported without causing distress or alarm to the general public. The item should not be taken out at the police station until a police officer or a member of staff requests it.
