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.
(Those wishing to claim more than the standard compensation need to provide appropriate proof of ownership and purchase to support the claim, at the time of surrender.)
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.”