ANY Harlow residents who possess ninja-style swords are being asked to drop them into the knife bin at the police station as part of a Home Office-led amnesty ahead of a law change.

From 1 August 2025, anyone found in possession of a ninja sword fitting the criteria, even in a private address, could face up to six months in prison – potentially increasing to two years under government plans.

Throughout July, police forces across England and Wales want anyone who thinks they may have a ninja-style sword check the government guidance to establish if it fits the criteria set out and surrender it if it does.

The amnesty and law change is being backed by the Safer Harlow Partnership. One of the multi-agency group’s priorities is to tackle serious violence, which includes reducing knife enabled crime across the district.

Over the last 12 months, knife enabled crime has fallen by 14% in Harlow, with 48 fewer offences committed. Possession of an offensive weapon has reduced by 23.1%. All crime is down by more than 10%.

Harlow District Commander, Chief Inspector Mirrington-French, said: 

“Reducing knife crime is not only a priority for the Safer Harlow Partnership, it is one of my top priorities for policing in Harlow. 

“Knife crime has such a devastating effect on everyone involved and we need to ensure we do everything we can to prevent it from destroying lives. 

“We are educating young people on the dangers of knives, supporting, and diverting those vulnerable individuals being exploited to commit crime. 

“I will ensure we are utilising our policing powers to prosecute those that use knives or weapons to commit crime, however this is an opportunity to hand in a knife and not face prosecution. 

“Knife crime has reduced over the last 12 months, and I want to reassure the public that we will continue to ensure Harlow is a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Cllr Joel Charles, Harlow Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, is also backing the ninja sword surrender scheme:

“Bladed weapons pose a serious public safety risk. I welcome the fact that it will soon be a criminal offence to own a ninja sword. The current surrender scheme is an opportunity to remove such weapons from our streets more quickly. Handing in a ninja sword might just save a life.

“Too many people are putting themselves and other people at a greater risk by carrying a weapon for protection. This is about reinforcing the central message that there is no place in our town for people who carry any form of offensive weapon.”

You can find out more about the surrender scheme and details of how to claim compensation on our website. 

To report information anonymously contact Crimestoppers: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers