Zombie-style knives and machetes can be surrendered to the police in Wiltshire - with compensation offered to those who hand them in before a new law is enforced.

From Monday, August 26 to September 23, people can take certain bladed articles to a designated police station in return for an application to claim money back.

This is in preparation for new government legislation coming into force from September 24 which will make it illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes.

Eligible weapons can be handed in at either Gablecross, Trowbridge, Chippenham or Salisbury police stations.

The full criteria and guidance covering what bladed articles will be made illegal and are eligible for compensation can be found here.

To safely surrender these items, they must:

•    Be made safe to handle for yourself and the police, and be contained in a manner that allows them to be transported without causing distress or alarm to other members of the public;
•    Be wrapped up and placed in a sealed bag or box. They must not be carried openly at any time;
•    Not be taken out at the police station until you are requested to do so by a police officer or member of police staff..

Swindon hub commander Superintendent Guy Elkins said: “This is welcome legislation that clarifies and enhances existing regulations which prohibit the sale and ownership of the types of knives we see all too often used in the commission of violent crimes or in the hands of young people on our streets around the UK.

“From September 24, police will be able to seize any such weapons they find and prosecute the owner. Possession of banned weapons, even if just in a drawer at home, can mean a prison sentence of more than four years.

“The full criteria on which weapons are eligible for compensation and the amount that can be claimed is available on the Government website, but I want to highlight the aspect of how to safely surrender any items which do meet the criteria.

“As laid out above, all weapons must be securely contained and not displayed at any time until requested by an officer or member of police staff. Please ensure you follow these requirements as it is vital to ensure the safety of both members of the public and police officers and staff."

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "There is absolutely no practical use for these kinds of zombie-style weapons whatsoever, and I welcome the compensation scheme to give people the chance to hand over their weapons ahead of the new legislation.

“Whilst statistically Wiltshire may have some of the lowest levels of knife crime in the country, we’ve seen all too often how carrying a knife has led to serious injury and in the most tragic cases, loss of life.

“The focus of my office will be to continue to educate people around the dangers of carrying any type of bladed weapon and the risks they face if they’re caught by the police.”