CHANGES to legislation mean it is now an offence to possess certain items such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives, even in private.
South Wales Police will be holding an anonymous offensive weapon surrender scheme giving the public an opportunity to hand in weapons to get them off the streets and help prevent serious violence.
The scheme runs from 20th October until 20th December.
Changes to legislation brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 earlier this year means that it is now an offence to possess certain items such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives, even in private.
It also includes an updated definition of flick knives to reflect changes in weapon designs, and the banning of private possession of flick knives and gravity knives. It was already illegal to possess a knife or offensive weapon in public.
The introduction of such measures will provide the force with further means to help deter people from becoming involved in knife possession and knife crime.
South Wales Police are encouraging the public to surrender weapons as part of their amnesty scheme which will run from 20th October to 20th December.
Weapons can be handed into police stations where the bins will be situated within the front desk at the following locations;
- Swansea Central Police Station (SA1 5EA)
- Neath Police Station (SA11 3BW)
- Pontypridd Police Station (CF37 2TR)
- Bridgend Police Station (CF31 1BZ)
- Cardiff Bay Police Station (CF63 1TD)
- Cardiff Central Police Station (CF10 3NN)
- Barry Police Station (CF63 1TD)
This scheme is in addition to weapon and knife amnesties that are routinely conducted by police forces.
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Herbert said: “While very few people regularly carry knives in South Wales, we remain committed to tackling knife crime.
“Every weapon surrendered via this scheme will mean one less weapon which has the potential to get into the wrong hands. Please do take advantage of this scheme – doing so could save a life.”
Further guidance is available via the Home Office including a full list of items covered, guidance on how to travel with and surrender weapons safely, and compensation levels.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offensive-weapons-act-surrender-and-compensation-scheme
