Thugs wielding zombie knives and machetes face harsher sentences under government crackdown

THUGS carrying zombie knives and machetes face harsher sentences under a government crackdown.

The maximum punishment will be increased to two years in jail.

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A new law will allow police will be able to seize and destroy any knife that they believe to be suspicious[/caption]

And police will be able to seize and destroy any knife that they believe to be suspicious found on private property.

Zombie knives were banned in 2016 but only if they had images or words on the hilt — which could be removed.

The new law will forbid any knives more than eight inches long with a plain cutting edge and sharp point and either a serrated blade or more than one blade hole.

Policing minister Chris Philp said: “We must stop the thugs who carry dangerous weapons.

“Zombie-style knives and machetes serve no other purpose but to inflate criminal egos and endanger lives. There is no reason to own these types of weapons.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council Knife Crime Lead, Commander Stephen Clayman, said: “Every day as police officers we see first-hand the devastating effects of these deadly weapons on the lives of individuals, particularly young people and we must always look at what action can be taken to prevent access to knives that are used for violence, intimidation and harm.

“The proposals in the consultation followed extensive collaboration between the Home Office and the NPCC National Knife Crime working group. Together, we worked to develop practical, sustainable solutions to remove these lethal weapons from our streets.”