PCC goes to war on `irresponsible grab-while-you-can` zombie knife shop
A pioneering police and crime commissioner (PCC) has condemned a website for urging customers to buy `zombie killer` blades “while you can” before a UK-wide ban comes into force later this week.
Aug 17, 2016
By Nick Hudson
A pioneering police and crime commissioner (PCC) has condemned a website for urging customers to buy `zombie killer` blades “while you can” before a UK-wide ban comes into force later this week.
Hunters Knives and Swords, based in Failsworth, Oldham, posted the advert online on its site, while pointing out that the knives will soon be outlawed.
From Thursday (August 18), anyone caught in possession of the serrated blades will face up to a four-year prison term prompting people to hand in hundreds of knives in the past seven days.
The company has been blasted for being “irresponsible” by West Midlands PCC David Jamieson, who was instrumental in orchestrating the ban`s implementation as part of a government crackdown on the horrendous weapons which glamorise violence.
Available online for as little as £10, the weapons are inspired by horror films and often advertised as collectors items.
An amendment to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 prohibiting the sale, manufacture, rental or importation of zombie knives takes effect from Thursday (August 18).
The ban will come into effect in England and Wales, with discussions taking place to extend the ban to Northern Ireland.
This week West Midlands Police released footage showing a shocking arsenal of surrendered and confiscated weapons, which included the menacing zombie knives.
The nationwide ban was brought in after police forces reported the jagged blades were being used in an increasing number of brutal stabbings.
In April, 17-year-old Blaise Lewinson was convicted of manslaughter after stabbing teenager Stefan Appleton to death with a zombie knife in Islington, north London.
Mr Jamieson said: This is a real achievement and shows what powerful changes PCCs can make.
Our streets will be safer following this change in the law. With names such as Head Splitter and Death Dagger, no sensible person wants to see zombie knives in circulation and now, after a year of hard work, we will finally see them banned once and for all.
Strong and swift action here means the sale and importation of these weapons has been outlawed before they became a widespread problem. I am proud of this achievement and welcome the change to the law wholeheartedly.
But despite the ban, Hunters Knives and Swords appeared to be encouraging customers to buy the weapons just days before they were banned.
A message, which was still visible on the website early in the week, said: Order Now After 16th August 2016 you will no longer be able to purchase Zombie knives in the UK, so grab them while you can!”
However, after receiving press inquiries, the website changed its message to All Zombie collectables are NOW OUT OF STOCK.
Mr Jamieson added: Promoting these pointless knives is irresponsible and flies in the face of what we are trying to achieve.
Zombie knives are monstrous weapons that serve no practical use whatsoever. They are being banned because they are dangerous and companies should act responsibly.”
Safeguarding minister Sarah Newton said: “This Government will act wherever necessary to cut crime and keep our communities safe.
“Zombie killer knives glamorise violence and cause devastating damage they have no place whatsoever in our society.”
Alf Hitchcock, lead on knife crime for the National Police Chiefs` Council, said: “Zombie knives are absolutely horrific weapons.
“Forces are determined to reduce the harm caused by these and all other dangerous we