Zombie knife crime doubles

On day terrifying blades are banned, figures show they are criminals' weapons of choice

- Paul Jeeves

CRIME involving "zombie knives" has doubled in five years with gangsters able to get hold of weapons "as easy as getting a takeaway".

Offences with machetes, swords or zombie knives soared from 7,159 in 2019 to 14,195 last year. They included robbery, assault and stalking, according to data from 32 police forces in England and Wales.

A ban starting today makes it illegal to own, sell, make or transport zombie-style knives and machetes.

The maximum penalty for the offences involving the "statement knives" favoured by many organised gangs will be four years in jail.