Council to write to Home Secretary in show of support for zombie knife ban
A ban on zombie-style knives and machetes has been welcomed by members of Lancashire County Council.
At a meeting of full council on Thursday 17 October, councillors voted to ask interim chief executive Mark Wynn to write to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP to show the county council's support for banning the weapons.
New legislation, which came into force last month, means it is now illegal to own, make, transport or sell zombie-style knives and machetes.
Zombie knives are typically more than eight inches in length and often have a serrated edge, spikes or more than two sharp points.
During a debate, members heard about the type of enforcement activity the council's Trading Standards service carry out to stop the illegal sale of knives to anyone under 18.
Lancashire is a "Check 25" county which means businesses should be checking photographic ID of every customer who looks under the age of 25 to help prevent illegal sales.
The county council's Trading Standards service also participate in operations to carry out test purchases of knives.
In May 2024, 77 shops across Lancashire were visited by volunteers aged between 13 and 16 who attempted to buy knives in businesses in every district in the county and they managed to buy 24.
Businesses that failed a test purchase attempt were then visited by Trading Standards officers who reminded them of "check 25" policy and signed them up to the responsible retailer scheme. This is an agreement to promote the responsible selling of knives and prevent those under 18 acquiring them.
At the moment any shop can sell knives, but the county council is working to introduce a responsible retailer scheme for those that sell them.
The ultimate aim is to have a countywide scheme of responsible retailers and a zero-tolerance approach to the sale of knives to young people under the age of 18.
Trading Standards also have a booklet about age restricted products including knives called "Where's the Harm" which is being distributed to Year 7 & 9 pupils in the county.
Cllr Michael Green during a joint Trading Standards and Police operation in May this year
County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
"Knife crime has had a devastating impact on too many people in Lancashire and we want to do all we can to prevent further tragedies in our communities.
"Those that pick up a knife and use it could tragically be taking a loved one away from their family for good.
"I welcome the legislation banning zombie-style knives and machetes, and the county council will continue to work with the police to do all it can to keep knives off our streets.
"I joined our Trading Standards team on their most recent test purchase operation and was appalled that a third of businesses sold a knife to underage teenagers.
"If you have concerns about a shop that may be breaking the law you can report the business anonymously by calling Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133."