Ninja Swords to Be Banned from August: Government Launches National Surrender Scheme
In a major move to combat knife crime and reduce the number of dangerous weapons on British streets, the Government has announced a new ban on ninja swords, effective from 1 August, 2025. Ahead of the change in legislation, a national surrender and compensation scheme is now underway, giving people the chance to hand in their weapons safely and legally throughout July.
The ban follows a public campaign for stricter laws on bladed weapons after the tragic 2022 killing of Ronan Kanda, a 16 year old boy from Wolverhampton who was fatally attacked with a ninja sword. The Government has since pledged to tackle serious violence and increase police powers to prevent such incidents.
From next month, owning, importing, selling, or transporting ninja swords will be illegal in the UK under amendments to the Criminal Justice Act 1988. These weapons, often marketed as collectible or decorative items, will now be classified alongside other prohibited offensive weapons.
What Is a Ninja Sword?
According to the Home Office, a ninja sword is defined as a fixed-blade article measuring between 14 to 24 inches, featuring a simple straight cutting edge and a tanto or reversed tanto-style point.
Officials stress that these weapons have “no practical purpose” beyond being used as potential instruments of violence.
How to Surrender Your Sword
Throughout July, individuals in possession of ninja swords can surrender them at designated police stations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as other regions of the UK. A full list of participating stations includes:
• WPIC Police Station, Southampton, SO15 1AN
• Portsmouth Central Police Station, Winston Churchill Avenue, PO1 2DG
• Winchester Police Station, Tower Street, SO23 8ZD
• Newport Police Station (Isle of Wight), High Street, PO30 1SZ
• Totton Police Station, Testwood Lane, SO40 3ZE
• (See full list at the end of this article.)
To prevent public alarm or legal issues while transporting the weapons, the police advise that items be securely wrapped, sealed in a bag or box, and not carried openly. Individuals must also refrain from unwrapping the item until requested by a police officer inside the station.
Compensation Available for Legal Owners
The Home Office scheme also allows lawful owners of ninja swords to claim compensation if the total value of surrendered items exceeds £5. Claim forms are available on the official Government website, and must be submitted alongside the weapon at a designated police station.
Carrying a bladed article in public without good reason remains a criminal offence, but individuals following these specific surrender guidelines will be considered to have lawful authority for transportation purposes.
A Message from Police and Campaigners
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary urged members of the public to take the scheme seriously:
“Handing in a weapon could save a life – including your own. Many young people carry these weapons for protection, not realising they’re putting themselves in greater danger. The new law sends a clear message: there is no excuse to possess such deadly items.”
Campaigners have welcomed the ban, calling it a “crucial step” in preventing further tragedies and curbing the glamorisation of dangerous blades.
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Designated Surrender Stations in Hampshire & Isle of Wight
• Aldershot Police Station, Wellington Avenue, GU11 1NZ
• Andover Police Station, South Street, SP10 2ED
• NPIC Police Station, Basingstoke, RG22 4BS
• EPIC Police Station, Portsmouth, PO3 5GE
• Portsmouth Central Police Station, PO1 2DG
• Gosport Police Station, PO12 1EB
• Winchester Police Station, SO23 8ZD
• Park Gate Police Station, SO31 7HN
• Havant Police Station, PO9 2AN
• Waterlooville Police Station, PO7 7FX
• Fareham Police Station, PO16 0NA
• Newport Police Station, PO30 1SZ
• WPIC Police Station, Southampton, SO15 1AN
• Portswood Police Station, SO17 2GN
• Lymington Police Office, SO41 9ZG
• Petersfield Police Station, GU32 3HW
• Yateley Police Station, GU46 7UD
• Totton Police Station, SO40 3ZE
• Ryde Police Station, PO33 2QH
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More Information
To access the compensation claim form or view the full Home Office guidance on prohibited weapons, visit the UK Government website.
If you currently own a ninja sword, act now. Surrender it this July to avoid prosecution and help make our communities safer.