Data obtained by the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act showed that in 2023 the three types of weapons were mentioned in more than 14,000 crimes recorded by 32 police forces in England and Wales.

In 2019, there were 7,159 offences recorded as involving the large blades, which rose to 14,195 in 2023.

Nearly 10,000 of the offences recorded in 2023 involved machetes, double the number from five years before, the broadcaster reported.

This week a ban on owning zombie-style knives and machetes comes into force, following a four-week amnesty when owners were encouraged to hand the weapons into police, local authorities or knife crime charities.

The ban is part of efforts to reduce knife crime, which include campaigners such as actor Idris Elba pushing for the large blades to be outlawed.

The Government plans to also ban ninja swords in the future.

Here is everything we know about the incoming ban.

Zombie knives, under the new definition of the law, are deemed as knives with a sharpened blade that are longer than 8 inches (20cm).

They could also have a serrated cutting edge, more than one hole in the blade, spikes, and more than two sharp points in the blade under the new law terms.

Zombie knives take their name from the weapons used in horror films involving the undead – and is a term that dates back to 2011.

When is the ban coming into force?

Zombie knives were first banned in 2016 but new definitions designed to outlaw more blades will take effect in England and Wales on Tuesday September 24.

What will be the sentences for those found carrying banned knives?

From Tuesday September 24, police will be able to seize any such weapons they find and prosecute the owner. Possession of banned weapons, even if just in a drawer at home, can mean a prison sentence of more than four years.



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