The Offensive Weapons Act 2019
The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 Draft Statutory Guidance
As part of a Government response against knife crime, it is now illegal to possess dangerous weapons in private and soon you will have to verify being over 18 to buy bladed items from the internet. Dangerous weapons include knuckledusters, telescopic truncheons and death stars (shurikens). For a full list of banned items, please click here.
Weapons held in private
Offensive weapons including knuckledusters, telescopic truncheons and death stars were already banned in public by the Criminal Justice Act 1988. However, under the new law, any person who possesses such weapons in private commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment and/or a fine. “Private” is defined as being a place other than a (i) public place, (ii) school premises, (iii) further education premises or (iv) prison.
Online purchases
The new changes will also mean that online purchases and deliveries of knives and bladed items will become more regulated: customers will be required to duly verify that they are over 18; packages will be clearly marked that it contains a bladed item; packages cannot be delivered to a locker or left on the doorstep if the recipient is not at home; and couriers must refuse delivery if not satisfied that the recipient is 18 or over.
Commentary
The Offensive Weapons Act does not exclude children from its provisions, meaning it is possible for them to commit an offence under the Act.