Rochdale police join national scheme to get zombie knives off the streets 

Officers in Rochdale are involved in a month-long government scheme to remove zombie-style knives and machetes from the streets.

Officers say that Rochdale Police Station is one of many designated stations for the surrender of the dangerous weapons, without facing legal consequences.

The initiative, part of Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Operation Venture, aims to combat knife crime by offering individuals a chance to turn in these weapons at designated police stations, including Rochdale, without facing legal consequences.

In some cases, compensation may be claimed from the Home Office, further incentivising the surrender of these dangerous items.

Rochdale is one of 11 key collection points across Greater Manchester, reflecting the area's commitment to tackling knife crime head-on.

Since its formation in December 2022, Operation Venture has made significant strides in reducing violence across the region, with 642 arrests and 181 weapons seized to date.

Superintendent Caroline Hemingway, who leads GMP's response to knife crime, emphasised the importance of the scheme: "This initiative is another step in our relentless efforts to remove dangerous weapons from our streets. By turning in these knives, residents of Rochdale can play a direct role in preventing violence and potentially saving lives."

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the surrender scheme and deposit any "zombie knives" at Rochdale Police Station on The Esplanade, OL16 1AG. Knife amnesty bins remain open year-round for those wishing to dispose of other weapons safely.

The community's cooperation in this initiative is vital for enhancing safety in Rochdale, as GMP continues its broader efforts to reduce knife crime through education, prevention, and robust policing.

Kate Green, deputy mayor of policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire said: “Officers from Operation Venture are proactively patrolling violence hotspots across Greater Manchester, taking knives off our streets and keeping people safe.

"Their work has had a huge impact in terms of reducing knife crime and the number of serious incidents that occur. The team are also making referrals into services across Greater Manchester that can support young people and their families and provide them with positive alternatives to violence and criminality, such as our Navigator service.

“Although the work of Operation Venture is undoubtedly effective in removing knives from our streets, we are keen to get upstream of the issue and prevent anyone in Greater Manchester from making the decision to carry a weapon in the first place.

"In December we launched the Greater than Violence strategy – a 10-year strategy to prevent and reduce knife crime.”

She added: "Key to this strategy is ensuring Greater Manchester becomes a trauma-responsive city-region, providing young people with positive opportunities for their futures and ensuring our approach to violence prevention and reduction is led by our communities.

"By implementing the commitments outlined in the strategy we will improve lives by preventing violence and providing alternatives to those at risk of becoming victims, witnesses, or perpetrators, including education programmes, community sports, targeted mentoring, and therapeutic support.”

If you know or suspect someone is carrying a knife, please report it immediately. Greater Manchester Police can be contacted on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Whilst 11-17-year-olds can make anonymous reports via Fearless.org