Offensive weapon amnesty as new laws make possession of knuckle dusters, throwing stars and zombie knives illegal

South Wales Police are holding an anonymous offensive weapon surrender scheme giving people an opportunity to hand in weapons to get them off the streets and help prevent serious violence.

The scheme runs from 20^th October until 20^th 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.

South Wales Police say that 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.

The police are encouraging the public to surrender weapons as part of their amnesty scheme which will run from 20^th October to 20^th December.

Weapons can be handed into police stations where bins will be situated within the front desk at Swansea Central Police Station on Grove Place in the city centre, and at Neath Police Station on Gnoll Park Road.

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.”