Dangerous Weapons Amnesty Begins: Retailers Team Up with Police

A major knife and dangerous weapons amnesty has officially begun across the United Kingdom, marking one of the most expansive community safety campaigns of the year. Running from 18 November to 17 December 2025, the initiative offers the public a chance to surrender knives, bladed items, and newly prohibited weapons anonymously, without facing prosecution during the amnesty window. Authorities say the aim is to reduce weapon-related violence, cut knife crime, and prevent prohibited weapons from remaining in homes where they could pose a risk.

A Growing Effort With Stronger Community Support

This year’s amnesty stands out for its deep community involvement, particularly with retailers partnering with police to expand access. Hardware stores, outdoor shops, and select supermarkets have installed secure surrender bins on their premises. This makes it easier for the public to dispose of weapons discreetly—especially for those who may feel uncomfortable walking into a police station.

Police say such partnerships are crucial. By placing bins in everyday locations, more people are likely to participate, especially younger individuals or those unaware that certain items they own are now illegal.

FazAmnesty Mobile Van Expands Reach

In addition to fixed locations, this year’s campaign also introduces a mobile surrender van operated by FazAmnesty, which will travel across neighbourhoods, town centres, and retail parks throughout the month. The van provides a convenient option for those who cannot access police stations or retail locations, ensuring that no community is left behind.

Officials praised the service as a “game changer,” allowing large weapons, unusual items, or inherited collections to be surrendered easily.

Weapons Accepted During the Amnesty

A wide range of weapons can be disposed of safely during the campaign, including:

• Kitchen knives

• Flick knives and switchblades

• Butterfly knives

• Knuckledusters

• Swordsticks

• Zombie-style knives and machetes

• Extendable batons

• Newly banned weapons under the updated Offensive Weapons Act

• Ninja swords, which will become illegal to possess from 1 August 2025

Police emphasise that many people may unknowingly possess now-prohibited items, especially decorative blades or martial arts replicas purchased years ago. The amnesty provides a no-risk opportunity to hand them in before enforcement becomes stricter.

Firearms Not Accepted in Bins

Authorities remind the public that firearms, imitation guns, and ammunition must NOT be placed in bins for safety reasons. Those wishing to surrender such items must arrange a controlled handover by contacting local police. Improper disposal of firearms can trigger emergency responses and create serious safety risks.

Legislative Background: Ronan’s Law & Crime and Policing Bill

This year’s amnesty is strongly linked to recent legislative changes, including the introduction of Ronan’s Law, which imposes tougher penalties on carrying and using knives in public. Additionally, the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill will expand police powers, introduce new weapon bans, and strengthen legal consequences for offenders.

Officials say the amnesty is designed to help the public comply with the evolving legal landscape and avoid criminal penalties once new laws fully take effect.

Impact So Far: Thousands of Weapons Handed In

Authorities report that earlier phases of 2025’s surrender programmes—especially those targeting ninja swords—have already seen over 7,500 weapons handed in across the UK. Police forces also highlight encouraging trends, including:

• A 10% reduction in knife-enabled robberies nationally

• Notable declines in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Liverpool, where previous amnesty schemes were heavily promoted

These figures, officials say, demonstrate that public cooperation and ongoing legislation are making a measurable difference.

Building on Previous Amnesty Campaigns

The current amnesty builds on a series of weapon surrender initiatives launched earlier in 2025 and in prior years. Police say the continuity is intentional: consistent availability of surrender opportunities keeps dangerous items out of circulation and raises public awareness about evolving laws.

These policing efforts mirror other ongoing safety measures across the region, including upgraded Cumbria speed cameras, which help reduce speeding incidents and improve overall road safety.

Consequences After the Deadline

Police stress that the amnesty only applies until 17 December 2025. After the deadline:

• Possessing banned weapons will become a criminal offence

• Individuals may face arrest, prosecution, fines, or prison sentences

• Newly illegal weapons—like ninja swords—will be subject to full enforcement

The message is clear: now is the safest and easiest time to dispose of illegal weapons.

Where the Surrender Bins Are Located

Surrender bins have been placed at:

• Major police stations nationwide

• Select retailers in cities such as Manchester, Newcastle, London, Birmingham, and Bristol

• Community centres and council buildings

• FazAmnesty mobile van stops, published weekly by local authorities

All surrendered items will be securely transported and destroyed at authorised facilities.

Police Encouragement to the Public

A police spokesperson said:
“Every weapon surrendered is one less tool that could be used to harm someone. We urge everyone to check their homes, garages, lofts and sheds and make use of this month-long amnesty.”

Authorities also encourage parents to talk to their children about knife crime and check whether they might unknowingly possess items considered illegal.

About Briton News

Briton News is a trusted UK-based digital newsroom providing fast, accurate, and community-focused reporting. From breaking news and public safety updates to government policy and social issues, Briton News is dedicated to informing, empowering, and protecting readers through factual, responsible journalism. Our mission includes promoting public safety, community awareness, and transparent reporting, ensuring citizens stay informed and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. What is the knife and dangerous weapons amnesty in the UK?

The knife and dangerous weapons amnesty is a month-long campaign allowing people to surrender knives, bladed items, and prohibited weapons anonymously without prosecution. The 2025 amnesty runs from 18 November to 17 December.

2. Can I hand in weapons anonymously during the amnesty?

Yes. Most weapons can be surrendered anonymously in designated bins at police stations, retail stores, community centres, and through the FazAmnesty mobile van service.

3. What weapons can I surrender?

You can surrender kitchen knives, flick knives, butterfly knives, knuckledusters, swordsticks, zombie knives, machetes, extendable batons, and other prohibited weapons. Ninja swords, which become illegal from 1 August 2025, can also be handed in.

4. Can I surrender firearms or ammunition in amnesty bins?

No. Firearms, imitation guns, and ammunition must NOT be placed in bins. You must contact police directly to arrange a safe, controlled handover.

5. What is the FazAmnesty mobile van service?

The FazAmnesty mobile van is part of the 2025 campaign and travels to local communities, retail parks, town centres, and rural areas to make weapon surrender more accessible.

6. Why is the UK holding a weapons amnesty in 2025?

The amnesty aims to reduce knife crime, remove dangerous weapons from homes and streets, and help the public comply with new laws, including Ronan’s Law and updates in the Crime and Policing Bill.

7. Are there penalties if I keep a banned weapon after the amnesty?

Yes. Possessing a prohibited weapon after 17 December 2025 can lead to arrest, prosecution, fines, and prison sentences under UK law.

8. How many weapons have been surrendered in 2025 so far?

Over 7,500 weapons were surrendered earlier in 2025 during the ninja sword phase alone, with thousands more expected during the current amnesty.

9. Has knife crime decreased due to previous amnesties?

Yes. Police report a 10% reduction in knife-enabled robberies nationally, with notable drops in major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Liverpool.

10. Where can I find a surrender bin near me?

Bins are located at major police stations, select retail stores, community centres, council buildings, and FazAmnesty van stops. Local police websites publish updated locations.

11. Do retailers play a role in this year’s amnesty?

Yes. Retailers are partnering with police by hosting secure surrender bins, displaying safety information, and ensuring compliance with laws on selling bladed items.

12. What is Ronan’s Law?

Ronan’s Law is new legislation that increases penalties for carrying and using knives in public. It supports the 2025 amnesty by encouraging the removal of illegal weapons before stricter enforcement begins.

13. What should I do if I find a prohibited weapon at home?

If it’s a bladed or offensive weapon, place it in a secure container and take it to the nearest surrender bin. For firearms or ammunition, call the police to arrange a safe collection.

14. Will surrendered weapons be destroyed?

Yes. All surrendered items are securely transported to authorised destruction facilities where they are professionally disposed of.

15. Is there a cost to surrender a weapon?

No. Surrendering a weapon during the amnesty is completely free.