Dorset Police supports government scheme to remove ninja swords from the streets
The Force is participating in a month-long government scheme to remove ninja swords from the streets.
A new law will come into force from Friday 1 August 2025 making it illegal to own, sell, or import ninja swords in England and Wales.
A ninja sword is defined as having a blade between 14in to 24in in length, with a tanto or reversed tanto-style point and a possible second blade attached at an angle.
This month, Dorset Police is supporting a government scheme, running until Thursday 31 July 2025, to enable owners of ninja swords to anonymously surrender them. Anyone surrendering knives that meet the criteria will be eligible for compensation.
Dorset Police has identified the following police stations to receive surrendered weapons and compensation claims from members of the public. These stations are:
- Bournemouth Police Station, Madeira Road
- Poole Police Station, Wimborne Road
- Weymouth Police Station, Radipole Lane
The opening times for these police stations can be found on the Dorset Police website.
Chief Inspector Andy Bell, knife crime lead for Dorset Police, said: “Although Dorset has one of the lowest rates of knife crime, we do take these offences very seriously and will continue to educate the public and aim to remove knife crime from the streets.
“People may not even be aware that it soon becomes illegal for them to own a ninja sword – even if they keep it at home.
“I’d urge anyone with a knife that meets the criteria to take this opportunity to surrender it and claim compensation.
“I’d also urge them to suggest friends and family members take advantage of this opportunity too. That way they can do their bit to maintain Dorset as one of the safest police force areas in the country.”
Detailed guidance on the weapons that will become illegal and eligible for surrender and compensation, as well as how to securely and safely package and transport the weapon to the police station, can be found on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ninja-sword-surrender-and-compensation-scheme
If you have any information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Dorset Police online via the website www.dorset.police.uk
You can also report any information anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555111. Your information could help save a life.
If a crime is in progress or a life in danger, always dial 999.