People and communities
Council Leader urges people to surrender zombie-style weapons ahead of new law
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The Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Garry Perry is appealing for people to surrender zombie-style knives and machetes ahead of new legislation coming into effect at the end of the month.
From 24 September 2024, it will be illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes, as they are added to the list of dangerous prohibited items already banned, including zombie knives, butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.
Ahead of the ban coming into effect, anyone who has one of these weapons is being urged to surrender them safely and legally, and without consequence, before 24 September.
“ For every knife surrendered, a potential fatal tragedy is averted.
Please surrender these weapons before 24 September, so we can keep our streets free from knives and other dangerous weapons.
We’re working with West Midlands Police to tackle knife crime in the borough, and to create a safer Walsall.
Although this new legislation is specifically about a certain style of knife, all knives are dangerous, and the perception that carrying a knife is acceptable must be addressed and challenged.
This really is a simple choice: life or knife “
There are various locations in and around the borough where people can surrender weapons:
| Location | Locality |
|---|---|
| High Street, Aldridge | Aldridge |
| High Street, Bloxwich, Walsall | Bloxwich |
| Palfrey Park, Dale Street, Walsall, WS1 4AN | Walsall |
| Spout Lane, Caldmore, Walsall, WS1 4HU | Walsall |
| Tesco, Wisemore, Walsall, WS2 8EQ | Walsall |
| Willenhall Memorial Park, Pinson Road, Willenhall, WV13 2PL | Willenhall |
You can also surrender knives at Bloxwich police station, Station Street Walsall WS3 2PD (opening times: 8am-10pm).
Further information about the new zombie-style knife surrender scheme, and the legislation, can be found on the West Midlands Police newsroom: https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/news/west-midlands/news/news/2024/august/nationwide-call-to-surrender-all-zombie-style-knives-and-machetes/
More information about knife bins and bleed control kits in the borough can be found on the council’s website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/policing-and-public-safety/knife-bins-and-bleed-control-kits
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Further information
Walsall Council works with partners on anti-knife crime campaigns and initiatives:
- In December 2023, the Knife Angel visited Walsall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuAilxfhBCY
- In June/July 2024, the Manchester Bee Monument toured schools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9C7oyLt6_I
- In September 2024, Walsall Library is hosting an art exhibition which focuses on knife crime and its impact: Swords into Ploughshares: Knives into Jewels https://youtu.be/wKY3C_Pri2k?si=BXHW3a-3tHwYQLbE
