What are zombie killer knives
Ministers launched a crackdown on the blades, which might be as much as foot-long with a serrated edge and carry images or words that glamorise violence.
Inspired by horror films and sometimes advertised as collectors’ items, they're available on the internet for as little as £10.
An modification to the Felony Justice Act 1988 prohibiting the sale, manufacture, rental or importation of rad zombie knives knives will take effect on Thursday.
Those caught making or selling the objects will face up to four years in prison.
Safeguarding minister Sarah Newton mentioned: ‘This Authorities will act wherever mandatory to chop crime and keep our communities safe.
‘Zombie killer knives glamorise violence and cause devastating damage – they don't have any place in anyway in our society.’
Alf Hitchcock, lead on knife crime at the National Police Chiefs’ Council, mentioned: ‘Zombie knives are absolutely horrific weapons.
‘Forces are determined to reduce the hurt caused by these and all other dangerous weapons. There isn't any place for knife crime inside society and this ban is additional commitment to keeping communities safe.’
Morris Vibrant, of the Native Government Association, said: ‘Zombie knives have just one goal – to threaten, injure or kill somebody – and this ban, which the LGA has called for, will assist reduce the number of lethal blades in society and stop on-line retailers unwittingly fuelling felony exercise which may lead to tragedy.
‘An industry-backed code of practice on the naming, promotion and packaging of all knives additionally must be created – just like that of the alcoholic drinks trade – which might promote their responsible sale.’
Earlier this 12 months a 17-yr-old was convicted of manslaughter and jailed after teenage student Stefan Appleton was stabbed to dying with a ‘Zombie Killer’ machete in north London in June 2015.
The ban comes as figures show police are recording rising numbers of knife-associated crimes.
Statistics show that in the yr ending in March forces logged 28,664 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument, a 10% leap compared with the earlier 12 months.
Statisticians said the proof at the moment available suggests a ‘complicated picture’ in which the latest enhance might replicate a mixture of both improvements in recording processes and a real rise in knife crime.
The ban applies to England and Wales, whereas legislation is also expected to be introduced in Northern Ireland.
Labour MP Jack Dromey stated: ‘Zombie knives are hideous weapons that have however one purpose – to maim or kill.
‘We campaigned for his or her ban and welcome the change within the regulation sending an unmistakable message that no-one ought to possess or promote Zombie knives.’