Ninja sword surrender scheme 01-07-25 - 31-07-25

Do you own a Ninja sword for decoration or as part of a collection, From 1 August 2025, a new UK law will make it a criminal offence to possess “ninja swords”, even in your own home.

To help residents comply, Greater Manchester Police is running a surrender and compensation scheme throughout July. If you live in Leigh or surrounding areas, please read this important update.

⚔️ Do You Own a Ninja Sword?

A “ninja sword” is now legally defined as:

A straight-bladed sword (not curved)

Between 14 and 24 inches long

With a single or double cutting edge

And a tanto-style point (triangular dagger tip)

If you have a sword that matches this description, it must be safely surrendered by 31 July.

🗓️ Surrender Window: 1–31 July 2025

You can hand in your sword at designated police stations or a mobile amnesty van. No charges will be brought for surrendering it.

📍 Local Surrender Points

Closest Station to Leigh:

✅ Wigan Police Station, Robin Park Road, WN5 0UP

Other nearby locations:

Bolton Police Station (BL2 1HD)

Swinton Police Station (M27 6BA)

Ashton Police Station (OL7 0BQ)

And more across Greater Manchester

🛻 Mobile Amnesty Van: Coming to Wigan/Leigh in July — schedule to be confirmed by GMP.

💷 Can I Get Compensation?

Yes — if:

You bought the sword before 27 March 2025

You can provide a receipt or proof of purchase

Minimum payout: £5. Higher values considered with supporting evidence.

Please see the attached compensation for to this email.

🚨 After 1 August…

Owning a ninja sword becomes illegal.

Penalties include up to 6 months in prison, rising to 2 years for serious cases.

✅ What to Do Now

1. Check your sword’s length and blade style

2. Wrap & seal it safely (e.g. in newspaper or bubble wrap)

3. Bring it to a station or surrender van in July

4. Submit compensation form if eligible

Have questions? Call 101 or visit:

👉 www.gmp.police.uk

👉 gov.uk/ninja-sword-surrender

Let’s work together to keep Leigh safer and comply with the new law.

Thank you,
PC 16514 WINROW

🗺️ Area: Leigh, Greater Manchester