Humberside Police is joining a national scheme which asks people to surrender ninja swords throughout July.
On August 1, it will become illegal to own a ninja sword, as these weapons are being added to the list of dangerous items already banned under the Criminal Justice Act 1988. As a result, anyone who owns a ninja sword is being urged to surrender it safely and legally.
Humberside Police says that the scheme also offers opportunity to apply for compensation, running from Tuesday, July 1, until Wednesday, July 31. This only potentially applies if you bought or received the sword before March 27 2024.
Chief Inspector Tim Harrison, Humberside Police’s lead for offensive weapons, said: “This is a chance for people to do the right thing and hand in these weapons before the law changes. We understand that many individuals may have purchased these items legally, however, from 1 August, owning a ninja sword will be a criminal offence, regardless of the circumstances. By surrendering them now, you’re not only complying with the law but also playing an important role in keeping our communities safe. These weapons, while they may appear ornamental or symbolic, can be extremely dangerous. We want to prevent them from ever being used to cause harm.
‘’We’re not here to criminalise people who may have bought these items in good faith. Our focus is on making it as easy and straightforward as possible for people to hand them in safely and legally. There are no forms to fill in unless you’re applying for compensation, and no questions asked. This is about prevention. Every weapon taken off the streets is one less that could be used to intimidate or injure. We’re encouraging everyone to take this opportunity to dispose of these items responsibly.’’
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Where you can surrender weapons to Humberside Police:
Northbank:
- Beverley Police Station – New Walk, Beverley HU17 7AF
- Bridlington Police Station – Ashville Street, Bridlington YO16 4EW
- Clough Road Police Station – Clough Road, Hull HU5 1SW • Goole Police Station – 2 Estcourt Terrace, Goole DN14 5AB
- Osborne Street Police Station – Regency House, 55 Osborne Street, Hull HU1 2NW
- Pocklington Police Station – 37 George Street, Pocklington, York YO42 2DH
Southbank:
- Barton Police Station – Holydyke, 37 Barton upon Humber, DN18 5PR
- Grimsby Police Station – Victoria Street, Grimsby DN31 1PE
- Scunthorpe Police Station – 26 Corporation Road, Scunthorpe DN15 6QB
The surrender and compensation scheme ends on 31 July 2025. After that date, possession of a ninja sword will be a criminal offence, and anyone found with one could face prosecution.
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