Teenager sentenced after machetes and knives found in Northampton home
A police patrol lead to arrest and seizure of six weapons.
A 17-year-old teenager has been sentenced after being spotted brandishing a machete during a routine police patrol in Northampton, leading to the discovery of multiple weapons in his home.
Officers from Northamptonshire Police’s Youth Violence Intervention Unit (YVIU) noticed the boy waving the large machete inside a residential property while conducting proactive patrols near the address.
Armed Response Officers were deployed shortly before 10.20pm on 15th January 2026, and the teenager was arrested at the scene.
During a search of the house, police found six weapons in one of the bedrooms. These included a Zombie knife, two combat-style knives, and three machetes.
The teenager was charged with four counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and was remanded into secure accommodation following a hearing at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on 17th January.
At Wellingborough Youth Court on 20th January, three of the charges were withdrawn. After pleading guilty to the remaining count, the teenager was sentenced to a two-year youth referral order with 24-month supervision.
As part of the order, he must comply with strict requirements, including 90 days of intensive supervision, a six-month residence requirement, 90 hours of unpaid work, a 12-week mentoring programme, and payment of a £26 victim surcharge.
Sergeant Pete Heyward of the YVIU highlighted the importance of seizing weapons before they could cause harm.
“Sadly, we see far too often the devastating effects that knife crime can have within our communities, and we continue with our partners to educate young people on the consequences of carrying knives," Heyward said.
“However, this is a great example of how the quick-thinking actions of the patrolling officers has led to the seizure of a large quantity of weapons before they could be used and potentially cause serious harm to someone.”