As part of nation-wide campaign to tackle knife crime, Walsall Council is hosting a Knife Surrender Van in King Georges Playing Fields today 1 July from 2pm to 6pm.
Funded by the Home Office, the surrender van provides a safe and anonymous way for people to dispose of knives and other weapons, ahead of new legislation banning ninja swords, which comes into effect on 1 August 2025.
The van’s visit is being undertaken in partnership with the police to ensure overall safety on the day. In addition to its visit to Walsall, the van will also tour Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Coventry over the two-day period, as part of a wider regional effort to combat knife crime.
“ Knife crime devastates lives and our communities. Whilst we are striving to make Walsall safer, knife crime is an issue can devastate lives and our communities.
Therefore we are committed to doing everything in our power to get them off our streets. This Knife Surrender Van provides an opportunity for people to do the right thing and dispose of these knives without repercussions.
Weapons can be deposited anonymously and without fear, giving people a chance to have a fresh start and to contribute to making our communities even safer. So, if you have a knife, please do the right thing and take the opportunity to dispose of it safely and without risk. “
Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for resilient and safe communities at Walsall Council
“ This surrender van is a crucial tool in our ongoing efforts to take dangerous weapons off our streets. Every knife surrendered is a potential life saved and a step towards a safer Walsall. We encourage everyone to make the right choice and help us make our community a safer place for all. “
PC Leigh Thompson-Clarke from Walsall Police
This campaign builds upon previous initiatives to combat knife crime in Walsall. In 2024, under the new zombie-style knife surrender scheme, it became illegal to own zombie-style knives machetes, butterfly knives, Samurai swords, and push daggers.
This initiative is funded by the Home Office and supported by the Metropolitan Police, Word4Weapons, and Faz Amnesty.
For those wishing to surrender other types of bladed weapons not in police stations and other communities across London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester in partnership with knife crime charities, Faz Amnesty and Words4Weapons. Find out more detail about surrendering weapons via these schemes vis this link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685d55b362b2e559cbd752de/2025.06.16_-_Public_Guidance_for_the_extended_Surrender_Arrangements.pdf
Further information about the new zombie-style knife surrender scheme and related legislation can be found on the West Midlands Police newsroom: https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/news/west-midlands/news/news/2024/august/nationwide-call-to-surrender-all-zombie-style-knives-and-machetes/