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Ninja Sword Surrender Begins!

From Friday 1st August 2025 it will be illegal to own, possess, sell, manufacture, import or supply Ninja Swords in England and Wales as they have been classed as ‘prohibited offensive weapons’ in the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons). 

A Ninja Sword is defined as:

  • Having a blade length between 14-24 inches
  • Primary and secondary straight cutting edges
  • A blunt spine
  • A Tanto or reverse Tanto style point.
  • People are being urged to hand in the swords before the 1st August 2025 as anyone found in possession of one after this date could face prosecution. Under the updated Offensive Weapons Act it will be illegal to these weapons in any private setting including the home. A surrender and compensation scheme is being run until the new legislation goes live.

    How to surrender a Ninja sword:

  • Bring the sword to a police station during the surrender scheme window (Tuesday1st -Thursday 31st July)
  • Members of the public may also surrender anonymously using weapon surrender bins (no compensation will be received this way.)
  • All items to be surrendered should be securely wrapped and concealed in a bag or box transit.
  • The compensation claim process:

  • A claim form MUST be completed before arriving at a designated Police Station with ID. 
    Local designated stations: 
    Burnley Police Station, Parker Lane, Burnley, BB112BT / Blackburn Police Station (Greenbank) Whitebirk Drive, Blackburn, BB13HP
  • A receipt/reference number will be provided
  • Claims will be processed by the Home Office with decisions communicated directly to the applicant
  • For more information around Nijna Sword surrender and changes to the legislation please click on the links below:
    Ninja Sword surrender and compensation scheme- GOV.UK 

    Public_Consultation_Government_Response__-_Ninja_Swords-FOR_PUBLICATION.pdf


    Reply to this message

    Message Sent By
    Kirsty Lamb
    (Police, CBM, Burnley NHPT)
    Neighbourhood Alert