DOZENS of ninja swords have been handed in to police in the Somerset police area as part of a nation-wide amnesty.

The Home Office launched a month-long amnesty scheme in July ahead of a new law – which came into force on August 1 – making the ownership of the weapons illegal.

From today, the possession, manufacture, importation, sale and supply of ninja swords is prohibited as par of a broad campaign to reduce knife crime.

Anyone found in possession of a ninja sword could lead to six months behind bars, increasing to two years under new measures in the Crime and Policing Bill.

The amnesty saw 30 ninja swords handed in to the Avon & Somerset force.

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Chief Inspector Mike Vass, knife crime lead at Avon & Somerset Police, said: “The 30 ninja swords we received in July are 30 potentially deadly weapons removed from our communities, and another positive step towards making our streets safer.

“I’m thankful to the law-abiding members of the public who did the right thing by surrendering their property safely.

“Many people who own ninja swords don’t have criminal intent and, until this moment, owners may have had them stored at home as a collector’s item. But when these weapons fall into the wrong hands, they can have fatal and life-changing consequences.

“The ban introduced today will act as a deterrent to some, yet tackling knife crime will not be achieved through enforcement and deterrence alone.

“It requires a holistic approach, focusing on the root causes of knife carrying and prioritising education, prevention and support to address this behaviour.

“We continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure appropriate diversion and safeguarding interventions are put in place for those identified as at risk of serious violence.”

The sword ban comes within a year of a similar surrender scheme for zombie-style knives and machetes, which became illegal in September last year.

Anyone who suspects or sees someone carrying a knife should report it to police on 101, and call 999 if there is an ongoing incident involving a knife or weapon.