A surge in criminal activities involving outlawed Rambo-style machetes has been revealed in recent police crime logs. Despite the ban on these weapons, a survey conducted across various police forces has exposed a disturbing trend of criminals using hunting knives to perpetrate a range of violent crimes, including robberies, assaults, sex offenses, and domestic violence incidents.

The survey highlighted that nearly 900 machete-related crimes are being committed monthly, with offenders often concealing these lethal weapons on their person while out on the streets. Concerns from the public prompted the government to prohibit these weapons in the summer of 2024, offering an amnesty program for individuals to surrender their knives in exchange for compensation.

Notable cases from the past year, such as the tragic killing of Mikey Roynon and Shawn Seesahai, underscore the severity of the issue. Machetes have been linked to a significant number of offenses in England and Wales, with additional cases reported in Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, several police forces, including Kent, Lancashire, and Thames Valley, did not provide data for the survey, suggesting that the actual number of incidents may be higher.

The widespread availability of large knives and machetes for purchase online has raised concerns about unregulated sales and inadequate age verification processes. Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, emphasized the need for a comprehensive licensing system to regulate knife sales and prevent the easy access to dangerous weapons. The Home Office reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing knife crime, highlighting efforts to remove knives from the streets and enhance enforcement against illegal online sales.

The call for stricter regulations and improved controls on the sale of weapons aims to protect communities and prevent further tragedies associated with machete-related violence.