Local Priorities Knife Crime Message

I wanted to provide an update regarding knife crime, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

We are aware that many people may be worried about knife crime in their local communities. We are committed to tackling knife crime wherever we find it, in order to keep you safe.  

If you would like to know more about the guidance that is available, our website includes a number of important resources that can offer guidance,  including what to do if you think someone you know needs help,  how to keep people safe, and support organisations you can talk to.  

Passing on information to organisations such as Crimestoppers or Fearless can not only help after a crime or incident, but vitally stop something from happening.

Ninja Swords

The UK Home Office has announced a new legislative measure prohibiting the possession of “ninja swords” as part of its broader effort to reduce violent crime. This measure forms part of the Offensive Weapons (Prohibition) (Amendment) Order 2024, made under Section 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, and comes into force on 1 August 2025.

Surrender Scheme
To support lawful compliance, the government has introduced a voluntary surrender scheme:
The surrender window runs from 1 July to 31 July 2025. Individuals can hand in ninja swords at designated police stations or collection points without facing prosecution. A compensation scheme offers:
£5 standard payment per sword

There are four weapon surrender bins installed in Greenwich Borough. The surrender bin allows individuals to dispose dangerous items safely and anonymously without fear of prosecution.

• Woolwich Town Centre, on Calderwood Street at junction with Powis street
• Sutcliffe park, Meadowside, Eltham SE9 Located to the right of the main entrance on Eltham Road
• Abbey wood, Located near Abbey wood Library, at the back of the Old council office on Eynsham drive/ Finchdale Road Se2
• Hutchins Road, Thamesmead SE28 8AT located near to the underpass

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Get Involved

Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 

Please click here to complete the survey