‘Zombie Knives’ Outlawed

AS of September 24, all forms of machete-style so-called ‘zombie knives’ were officially outlawed.

 This is due to legislation brought in by Anna Firth, former MP for Southend West & Leigh, who successfully closed a loophole in the law to ban zombie style knives and machetes – typically long knives which have serrated and cutting edges, as well as other features such as spikes, holes and/or multiple sharp points.

 Prior to Firth’s legislation, whilst having a zombie knife in public was illegal, the loophole meant that zombie knives could be legally kept and sold, providing they did not have images depicting violence on their blade or handles.

 Firth’s legislation, which was passed by the then Home Secretary James Cleverly, makes it illegal to be in possession of any typical zombie knife or machete over eight inches in length, regardless of what images they may or may not have on them.

 Last month, owners of zombie knives had a period of time where they could receive compensation for handing over their weapons to police before the ban came into force.

 These deadly weapons have been linked to the surge in knife crime, which has risen to more than 50,000 offences in the past year, close to its record high in 2019, and sadly there have been repeated examples in Southend City.

 Thanks to Firth’s legalisation, anyone caught in possession of one of these weapons from 24 September 2024, whether they are in a public or a private place, will face up to two years in jail and/or an unlimited fine.

 Ms Firth said: “Making Southend’s streets safer for families, visitors and residents was my no.1 priority whilst MP for Southend West, so I am delighted that this new legislation is coming into force to completely ban these evil weapons.

 “Such knives have no place in our homes or communities and recent events on Southend sea-front and across the country have underlined the vital importance of getting these dangerous weapons not just off our streets but also out of our homes and retailers.

 “After today, it will quite rightly be a criminal offence to be found in possession of such a weapon, whether you are at home or in public place, and you could be subject to a custodial sentence. 

 “Although I am no longer in Westminster I am continuing to campaign alongside anti-knife crime activist, Julie Taylor, and PCC, Roger Hirst to make our county safer.”

 Julie Taylor, anti-knife campaigner, added: “I’ve been a campaigner against knife crime and all the horrors that it brings to families and communities since losing my own grandson Liam.

 “When Anna Firth was an MP she worked tirelessly to support my work and together we made a real difference to making the streets of Southend safer.

 “Anna’s determination to outlaw these zombie knives will make a huge difference.

 “Under current law there used to be several loopholes, which allowed people to buy and keep these weapons. From 24 September and thanks to Anna’s hard work, those loopholes will be closed and someone could be jailed for even having one of these types of knives in their home.

 “I’d like to thank Anna for everything she achieved as our MP and I know she will keep doing everything in her power to make our streets and our country safer.”

Picture: Anna Firth with Julie Taylor.

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