PCC Donna Jones welcomes UK ban on ninja swords: “These weapons have no place in our communities.”

It is now illegal to own, sell, manufacture or import ninja swords.

The government legislation has been brought in following a campaign by the family of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda who was tragically killed with a ninja sword in 2022.

Its aim is to reduce knife crime and enhance public safety.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, said: “The murder of Ronan Kanda was a shocking and stark reminder that knife crime can tear families apart in seconds.

“That’s why I have made tackling knife crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a top priority.

“I welcome the change in the law which, from today, makes the possession, sale, creation and import of ninja swords illegal.

“They have no place in our communities.

“People, including children, have the right to feel safe. Taking these dangerous weapons off our streets will save lives.

“I also hope tougher jail sentences will act as a deterrent to unscrupulous retailers caught selling blades to under-18s.

“Research shows young men, and unfortunately some children, are more likely to carry a knife for protection and are more likely to become victims of knife crime.

“Education and addressing the root causes of habitual knife carrying is key if we’re to reduce violent crime.

“My office works closely with the Constabulary through my Violence Reduction Unit to support young people through local organisations, schools and the Youth Justice Service.

“That’s why, here in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, we saw a 22% reduction in reported serious offences involving a knife in the three years to December 2024.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels.

“The police and its partners are committed to making our communities safer, getting knives off our streets and making sure young people feel safe enough so that picking up a knife ‘for protection’ isn’t an option.”

Ronan Kanda was fatally stabbed to death just yards away from his home in Wolverhampton in June 2022. Since his tragic death his mother, Pooja Kanda, has relentlessly campaigned for a change in the law to ban the supply, sale, possession and importation of ninja swords.

As of Friday 1 August 2025, anyone found possessing such a ninja sword in private could face six months in prison and this could later increase to up to two years under the Crime and Policing Bill.

For more information and support surrounding knife crime and the role communities can play in tackling the issue, please visit the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.

There you can find out about innovative programmes like the Artswork-delivered, Choices.

It’s just received a funding extension through the Police Commissioner’s VRU fund to offer training for teaching staff and theatre workshops for 10-12 year old’s until March 2026.

It aims to reduce the risk of young people becoming involved in county lines, knife crime and gang violence.