MORE than 1,000 zombie-style knives and machetes are now off the streets in Somerset thanks to the success of a national surrender campaign.

People across the UK were asked to hand in their weapons to police ahead of a ban which came into place yesterday (September 24).

Avon and Somerset Police had 15 surrender sites across the region and received over 1,000 weapons.

The ban makes it illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture zombie-style knives and machetes.

These items, characterised by blades longer than eight inches and often serrated, are being added to the list of prohibited weapons under the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Anyone caught with these weapons could face prosecution.

To help the public comply with the new law, the Home Office set up a surrender and compensation scheme, allowing people to safely hand over the weapons at local police stations.

READ MORE: More than 300 zombie-style knives handed in to police in Bridgwater

Chief Inspector Mike Vass said: “We’re pleased to see so many people handing in these dangerous weapons.

“One business in particular surrendered a large number, preventing them from potentially falling into the wrong hands and causing harm.

“We shouldn’t be seeing these types of weapons in the hands of young people in our communities, we are committed to ensuring anyone in possession of these either face the appropriate prosecutions or know how and where to safely surrender them as soon as possible.”

Anyone who owns a zombie-style knife or machete is urged to hand it in now. Surrender bins are available year-round at several police stations and public locations.

For more information on where to safely surrender weapons and to learn about staying safe from knife crime, visit Protect yourself and others from knife crime | Avon and Somerset Police

If you are concerned or suspect someone may be carrying a knife, you can:

• Get advice from Fearless.org
• Report it anonymously via Crimestoppers
• Report to the police online or by dialling 101