Zombie machetes, knuckledusters or brass knuckles, types of of key-chains that can act as weapons, and disguised or concealed knives…
These are among the ten new weapons due to be added to the prohibited items list – and the public is being given the chance to hand them in.
As reported last week, police will hold a month-long amnesty on prohibited weapons starting tomorrow, November 18th, ending December 17th.
Extendable batons and butterfly knives will join the existing list of items that are prohibited and/or unlawful to carry in a public place, which includes spiked wristbands, crossbows and catapults, and shuriken throwing stars.
Surrender bins for such articles will be at all three police stations, Warwick Camp, Gorhams hardware stores and other secure public sites.
No personal details will be required when surrendering such an item. It is anonymous and without penalty, unless it is later discovered that an unstated serious crime is tied to the item.
However, anyone wishing to surrender a firearm, imitation firearm or ammunition is cautioned not to place these items in the surrender bins due to their dangerous nature. Instead, call police on 211 to arrange safe surrender to a firearms officer.
Governor Andrew Murdoch says the update to the prohibited weapons list is a necessary response to a concerning rise in incidents involving bladed weapons, while Michael Weeks, Minister of National Security, says this amnesty ensures there is a clear, safe, and responsible way for individuals to comply with the law.
Police Commissioner Darrin Simons says, “surrender bins offer a no-questions-asked option to dispose of prohibited items—please use them.”
His Excellency the Governor, the Ministry of National Security and the Bermuda Police Service today announced a joint island-wide weapons amnesty coinciding with forthcoming amendments to the Criminal Code that will add a number of specific items to the list of Prohibited Weapons. The amnesty gives members of the public an opportunity to lawfully surrender these items at designated surrender bins located across the island.
WHAT THIS MEANS
During the amnesty period, individuals in possession of any of the listed items may surrender them at designated surrender bins without fear of prosecution for possession of those items. The amnesty is intended to reduce the number of dangerous items in circulation and to increase community safety while the legal changes are implemented.
LIST OF ITEMS ACCEPTED UNDER THE AMNESTY
The following is a list of items which are due to be added to the list of Prohibited Weapons under the Criminal Code. The amnesty however will accept any dangerous of offensive items that currently fall under the Act, or which a member of the public wishes to surrender.
1. An extendable friction lock baton.
2. The weapon sometimes known as a “kubotan”.
3. A knife where the blade has a plain cutting edge, a serrated spine, and is at least 8 inches in length.
4. The weapon sometimes known as a “cyclone knife” or “spiral knife”.
5. The weapon sometimes known as a “push dagger”.
6. A knife with holes in the blade or handle large enough to allow fingers to support the use of the knife.
7. The weapon sometimes known as a “balisong” or “butterfly knife”.
8. A disguised knife (a knife designed to look like an everyday object).
9. A knuckleduster.
10. The weapon sometimes known as a “zombie knife” or “zombie machete”.
Items previously listed as “prohibited” and/or are unlawful to carry in a public place which can also be surrendered include:
1. A finger ring knife which has one or more blades or sharp objects.
2. A flick knife or gravity knife the weapon sometimes known as a “kubotan”.
3. A knife with a fixed blade or folding knife with a cutting edge over 3” in length.
4. The weapon sometimes known as a “manrikigusari” or “kusari” where a length of cord or chain is fastened to two hard items or hand grips.
5. A spiked wristband.
6. A cross bow and a catapult.
7. The weapon sometimes known as a “shuriken” or throwing star.
8. The weapon sometimes known as a “constant companion” or belt buckle knife.
9. A weapon known as a “swordstick” or sword cane with a concealed blade inside.
10. A knuckleduster.
11. The weapon sometimes known as a “yaqua blowgun”.
12. The weapon sometimes known as a “cobra baton” having a spring loaded steel shaft.
HOW & WHERE TO SURRENDER
· Surrender bins will be placed at multiple, clearly marked locations across Bermuda, including the three police stations, Warwick Camp, Gorhams hardware stores and other secure public sites. Other locations will be added as demand allows.
· Members of the public are asked to place items directly into the secure surrender bins — do not hand dangerous items to staff or attempt to package them in a way that could be unsafe. If an item is unstable or the person is unsure how to surrender it safely, please contact the Bermuda Police Service non-emergency line 211 for guidance.
· No personal details will be required when making a surrender of a prohibited or offensive weapon during the amnesty period. The surrender is anonymous and without penalty, except where other offences are discovered on inspection (for example, unstated serious crimes tied to the item).
· Any member of the public wishing to surrender a firearm, imitation firearm or ammunition is cautioned not to place these items in the surrender bins as they are dangers items that must be secured properly and made safe by a police officer.
· Members of the public wishing to surrender these items must call the BPS non-emergency number 211 to arrange for the item to be surrendered safely or bring the item to a police station where it can be safely surrendered to an authorised firearms officer.
AMNESTY PERIOD
The amnesty will commence on Tuesday 18th November 2025 and conclude on Wednesday 17th December 2025.
STATEMENTS
Governor Andrew Murdoch: “The updating of the Prohibited Weapons Order, was made in close consultation with the Bermuda Police Service, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Minister of National Security. It is necessary, amongst other measures, to respond to a concerning rise in incidents involving bladed weapons in Bermuda. The new law banning these weapons is proceeded by an amnesty period, and I would encourage anyone who has these dangerous items to dispose of them safely and responsibly. The Police have made disposal straightforward, anonymous and safe. It is important that these weapons are removed from our streets as soon as possible. There is no excuse for carrying weapons, and those doing so put themselves and others at risk.”
Minister of National Security: “Our priority is the safety and security of the public, and we are committed to doing all we can to keep our communities safe. The recent amendments to the Criminal Code are designed to reduce harm and deter the possession and use of unlawful weapons. This amnesty ensures there is a clear, safe, and responsible way for individuals to comply with the new law. We acknowledge that some may now find themselves in possession of items that are newly prohibited. This initiative provides an opportunity to surrender those weapons without fear of prosecution during the amnesty period. Our goal is simple: fewer weapons in our neighbourhoods and a safer Bermuda for all. I encourage anyone who may be affected to take advantage of this amnesty. By doing so, you are helping to protect our families, our communities, and our future. Working together, we can reduce violence, prevent harm, and continue to build a more secure Bermuda.”
Commissioner of Police: “We will continue to work with the community to make our streets and Bermuda safer. Surrender bins offer a no-questions-asked option to dispose of prohibited items—please use them.”
SAFETY & LEGAL INFORMATION
· Surrendering an item under the amnesty does not automatically remove liability for unrelated offences. If you are uncertain about legal implications, seek legal advice.
· The Bermuda Police Service will safely collect and dispose of surrendered items in accordance with established protocols.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q: Will I be arrested if I surrender an item?
A: No. The amnesty allows for the surrender of listed items without prosecution for simple possession of those items during the amnesty period.
Q: Can businesses surrender multiple items?
A: Yes. Businesses holding any of the listed items (for example, for display or historic reasons) should contact the Bermuda Police Service on the non-emergency number 211 to arrange safe surrender if large quantities are involved.
Q: Where can I find the list of surrender bin locations?
A: Locations will be published on the official channels for the Office of the Governor, the Ministry of National Security and the Bermuda Police Service.
Q: Who should I contact for more information?
A: Media and community enquiries may be directed to the contact points below.
