Cheshire Police are paying people to hand in 'ninja swords'.

The constabulary will be joining partner forces across the country in supporting a new Home Office surrender and compensation scheme for the soon to be banned weapons.

Starting on July 1 and running up to July 31, the scheme is being launching ahead of new legislation which will come into effect on August 1 making it a criminal offence to possess ninja swords in private or manufacture, import, or sell them. 

The weapons can be handed in at police station helpdesks across Cheshire, including Macclesfield, with compensation paid in return.

Superintendent Cath Jones, who is leading Cheshire's response to the amnesty, said: "Our officers work tirelessly all year round to keep the county's streets weapons free and to reduce the number of incidents involving knives and other bladed articles.

"As part of these efforts, we are supporting our fellow forces across the country in a national amnesty campaign relating to Ninja swords, which, from 1 August, will be illegal to possess. Anyone found in possession of one of these blades after Friday, August 1, will be breaking the law and could face a six-month prison sentence.

"Anyone looking to hand in a blade of this kind must ensure the sword is wrapped and placed in a sealed bag or box and not carried openly in public at any time. Once inside the station, you must not take out the weapon until requested to do so.

"If you have any queries, please do contact your local helpdesk."

Examples of ninja swords (Credit: Cheshire Police)

Ninja swords are defined as having a blade between 14 and 24 inches, a straight cutting edge, and a tanto-style point (angled tip).

To be eligible to claim compensation for one of the ninja swords, you must lawfully own the item and be able to provide proof, such as a receipt, that it was bought before March 27, 2025. 

Compensation can only be claimed at the same time as a weapon is being handed over and those doing so should download and complete a compensation form before attending one of the five designated Cheshire Police helpdesks.

Only ninja swords legally bought before March 27 this year will be eligible for compensation.

However, Cheshire Police encourage everyone who currently owns one of these swords to surrender it to the police before they become illegal, irrespective of the compensation scheme.