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Bournemouth Police Station is one of three Dorset locations where people can surrender ninja swords this month as part of a national scheme ahead of a new law coming into effect.
From 1 August this year, it will be illegal to own, sell or import ninja swords in England and Wales. The government has defined a ninja sword as a weapon with a blade between 14 and 24 inches long, a tanto or reversed tanto-style point, and possibly a second blade attached at an angle.
Dorset Police is encouraging people to surrender these weapons anonymously before the law changes. The scheme runs until Thursday 31 July, and those handing in items that match the criteria will be eligible for compensation.
Weapons can be handed in at Bournemouth Police Station on Madeira Road, as well as stations in Poole and Weymouth. Full guidance on safe packaging and transport is available via the government website.
Chief Inspector Andy Bell said the force takes knife crime seriously, despite Dorset having one of the lowest rates in the country. He urged residents to check if they or someone they know owns a banned item and to make use of the scheme.