Residents surrender weapons in Rochdale and Heywood during knife crime campaign

Friday, 11 July 2025 14:52

By David Murphy

Weapons including ninja swords were anonymously handed over by residents in Rochdale and Heywood last week as part of a nationwide effort to tackle knife crime.

The FazAmnesty surrender van visited Greater Manchester towns including Rochdale and Heywood during the launch of the Home Office-supported initiative led by anti-knife crime campaigner Faron Paul. The specially adapted van, the first of its kind in the UK, allows residents to safely dispose of bladed weapons without giving personal information or having to visit a police station.

Greater Manchester Police is supporting the initiative, which coincides with a month-long surrender of ninja swords ahead of a national ban beginning on 1 August 2025. Anyone still owning such weapons after this date could face prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Thompson, who heads GMP's knife crime team, Operation Venture, praised the initiative as a "fantastic resource" that enables discreet weapon disposal but noted its necessity reflects the ongoing knife culture across Greater Manchester's streets.

Faron Paul, CEO of FazAmnesty, expressed his gratitude to local residents, GMP, and councils for their support, stating: “We look forward to continuing this important work as the FazAmnesty van tours the country.”

For those who missed the surrender van's visit, ninja swords can still be handed in at several police stations, including Rochdale Police Station on The Esplanade. Meanwhile, secure surrender bins outside Middleton Police Station on Oldham Road and Heywood Police Station on Queens Park Road are available for anonymous knife disposals.

Residents who bought ninja swords before 27 March 2025 could be entitled to compensation if they surrender them at designated police stations.