Opportunity to surrender 'Ninja Swords' ahead of national ban
Cumbria Police is supporting a national month-long “Ninja Sword” compensation surrender throughout July.
The surrender begins on 1 July 2025 and is being run prior to it becoming illegal to possess, supply, sell, manufacture, or import a Ninja Sword from 1 August 2025.
This is a surrender compensation scheme so people surrendering qualifying items will be entitled to compensation via the Home Office.
Chief Inspector Sam Turner of Cumbria Police said: "This is an opportunity for people in Cumbria to surrender their items before they become illegal, in a safe manner and without fear of repercussions."
"Ninja Swords" can be handed in at the following police stations throughout July:
Cumberland
- Carlisle
- Whitehaven
- Workington
Westmorland and Furness
- Barrow
- Kendal
- Penrith – Hunter Lane
People who hand in their "Ninja Sword" at a police station and are seeking compensation will be provided, upon request, with a Surrender Compensation form to complete.
People are urged to take care in transporting their item to a police station. They should ensure they do so safely and in a way that does not cause alarm to others. The item should remain covered securely stored until a police officer or member of police staff invite the owner to unwrap or otherwise present the item.
Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: "On the 1 August 2025, it will be illegal to own a ninja sword so I would urge any resident in Cumbria that owns one to hand it over to the Police during July.
"Knife crime ruins lives and devastates communities. Carrying a knife in public will never be acceptable – especially when they are illegal to own.
"Help us protect Cumbria – hand over you ninja swords or any other weapons you may have in your home."