Version Superseded: 01/04/1996
Point in time view as at 01/02/1991.
Prevention of Crime Act 1953 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 12 March 2025. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
An Act to prohibit the carrying of offensive weapons in public places without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
[6th May 1953]
(1)Any person who without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the proof whereof shall lie on him, has with him in any public place any offensive weapon shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F1six months] or a fine not exceeding [F2£200], or both;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding one hundred pounds, or both.
(2)Where any person is convicted of an offence under subsection (1) of this section the court may make an order for the forfeiture or disposal of any weapon in respect of which the offence was committed.
[F3(3)A constable may arrest without warrant any person whom he has reasonable cause to believe to be committing an offence under subsection (1) of this section, if the constable is not satisfied as to that person’s identity or place of residence, or has reasonable cause to believe that it is necessary to arrest him in order to prevent the commission by him of any other offence in the course of committing which an offensive weapon might be used.]
(4)In this section “public place” includes any highway [F4, or in Scotland any road within the meaning of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984] and any other premises or place to which at the material time the public have or are permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise; and “offensive weapon” means any article made or adapted for use for causing injury to the person, or intended by the person having it with him for such use by him [F5or by some other person].
Textual Amendments
F1Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 46(1)(3), Sch. 8 para. 16
F2Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), s. 92, Sch. 3 Pt. I
F3S. 1(3) repealed (E.W.) by Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60, SIF 95), s. 119(2), Sch. 7 Pt. I
F4Words inserted (S.) by Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 54, SIF 108), ss. 128(1), 156(1), Sch. 9 para. 42
F5Words added (E.W.) by Public Order Act 1986 (c. 64, SIF 39:2), s. 40(2), Sch. 2 para. 2
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 1(1)(b) amended by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), s. 92(8)
(1)This Act may be cited as the Prevention of Crime Act 1953.
(2)This Act shall come into operation on the expiration of one month from the passing thereof.
(3)This Act shall not extend to Northern Ireland.
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