29-07-2025
Police warn ninja sword owners to surrender their weapons ahead of ban
Officers are warning anyone still in possession of a ninja sword to surrender it ahead of the ban.
The swords will become illegal on August 1, 2025, and police are offering the public an opportunity to safely dispose of the swords before then.
The surrender scheme will close at 11.59pm on July 31 and owning a ninja sword after this could result in a prison sentence.
Ninja swords are qualified as having a blade between 14 to 24 inches long, with a single straight cutting edge and distinctive tanto-style point.
If you bought one of the swords before March 27, 2025, you could be given compensation.
Swords bought after that date can still be surrendered but aren't eligible for compensation.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: "There's only a few days left of the ninja sword surrender.
"If you have one to hand in, now is the time to do it. You will not get into trouble for handing one in during the surrender period, and you may be entitled to compensation.
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"If you own a weapon, or know someone that does, surrender it at Bolton Police Station on Scholey Street before the law changes on 1 August 2025.
"The surrender ends on Thursday 31 July."
Officers have reminded the public that police stations are only accepting ninja swords and not other weapons.
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If you would like to dispose of a ninja sword without visiting a station or claiming compensation you can take it to a surrender bin anonymously.
There are 24/7 surrender bins outside Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale police stations and on Queen Street, Pemberton in Wigan.
The opening hours of the station are 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
