AMESBURY Police have issued a stark warning after two prohibited weapons were voluntarily handed in by a member of the public, highlighting the serious consequences of possessing offensive items in the home.

Neighbourhood officers were approached while on foot patrol by someone wishing to surrender the weapons, which were later collected from an address and identified as two Shuriken, also known as throwing stars.

Both have now been secured and marked for destruction.

The incident comes amid heightened concerns for public safety in Amesbury, following recent reports of dangerous spikes being found on local streets.

Police say this latest surrender underscores the importance of awareness around the law and the potential dangers of keeping such items.

(Picture: Amesbury Police)

The Offensive Weapons Act 2019, amended in 2025, makes it a criminal offence to possess a wide range of weapons at home or in private spaces.

Prohibited items include butterfly knives, flick knives, zombie knives, swordsticks, push daggers, blowpipes, telescopic truncheons, batons, knuckle dusters and, as demonstrated, shuriken.

Possession carries a potential sentence of up to 51 weeks imprisonment.

Police have warned that many people remain unaware of the law changes and that there are very limited defences.

Forgetting that you own a weapon does not excuse possession.

Exceptions are rare, such as for historical re-enactments.

Officers urge anyone in possession of an offensive weapon to surrender it safely to Wiltshire Police, making sure it is securely wrapped to prevent injury.

A spokesperson said: “This is a clear reminder that even items kept at home can pose serious risks. We would encourage anyone with offensive weapons to act now, before it’s too late.”