POLICE forces across England will be participating in the month-long government scheme throughout July to remove Ninja swords from the streets.

Ninja style swords will be illegal to own from August 1, so it will be an offence to possess a Ninja sword unless a specific legal defence applies.

Devon & Cornwall Police will be supporting the national Ninja sword surrender and compensation scheme, which will run from 1 to 31 July.

Owners of this type of sword are being offered the chance to surrender them at local police stations.

In some cases they may be able to claim compensation if eligible.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Fleetwood, Force lead for Knife Crime, said: ‘Knife crime is not a major issue in our region, however we take it very seriously and will continue to educate the public and aim to remove knife crime from the streets.

‘Possession of banned weapons, even if just in a drawer or attic at home, can mean a prison sentence of more than four years.

‘We urge anyone who owns a Ninja sword, or any other knife, to surrender it at one of our knife bins, which can be found across the region at our Police Enquiry Offices.

‘We need to continue to work together to prevent and reduce knife crime and keep our communities safe’.

Compensation can be claimed if a sword is surrendered during the surrender period – 1 to 31 July - and a claim submitted at a designated police station.

To be eligible for compensation, a person must have been the lawful owner of the sword on or before March 25, 2025 and be able to provide proof (e.g. invoice or receipt).

Once the surrender period comes to an end, Ninja swords will be prohibited.

People will still be able to surrender items to the police, but will not be able to claim compensation.

Knife surrender bins are now permanently situated in local police stations across the region so that the public can surrender knives safely and discreetly at any time. Information about where knife surrender bins can be found at: dc.police.uk/peo

For further information about surrendering a Ninja sword and the compensation scheme, please visit the Home Office website

To find a police station where you can surrender a Ninja sword, or any other knife, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

If anyone has concerns about someone they know who carries a knife, or about knife crime in their community, we encourage them to report it to us at dc.police.uk/tua.

People can report any information anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555111. Your information could help save a life.