Police launch arms amnesty
Devon and Cornwall Police is holding a two week amnesty for the surrender of unlawfully held or unwanted firearms and ammunition.
Members of the public can hand in items at police stations in Exeter (Heavitree Road), Torquay, Plymouth (Charles Cross and Crownhill), Barnstaple, Bodmin, Camborne, St Austell and Truro between 3 and 17 November.
They will be able to do this without fear of prosecution for possession while at the same time disposing of their weapons safely.
Police are asking people to surrender unlawfully held or unwanted guns and ammunition to help avoid them getting into the wrong hands and potentially becoming involved in criminality.
Police would like to take out of circulation any firearms which includes guns which can still be fired, antique weapons, replica weapons, air weapons, BB guns, stun guns and ammunition
Many firearms may be held in ignorance of their illegality or may be overlooked or forgotten in people’s homes. These include trophies of war which have been inherited from a relative, or guns thought to be harmless antiques.
Also the law on who can possess antique guns has recently changed, and for this reason some people who possess them may not now do so legally.
The laws around antique firearms have been tightened which means that someone who has served or received a criminal sentence can no longer possess an antique gun.
The sentencing guidelines for possession for sale or transfer of an unauthorised firearm or ammunition have also been raised. This offence now carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Operations Chief Inspector Dan Evans said: “If you are in any way uncertain about the legality of a weapon or ammunition that you possess, if there’s even a shadow of doubt, we would urge you to hand it in.
“Gun crime in the UK has continued to fall year on year for the last ten years. We are not complacent about gun crime, however, which is why we are conducting the amnesty now, we want as many guns as possible to be handed in and so make our communities safer.”
"Weapons and ammunition can be surrendered at the nine police stations mentioned but anyone handing in a firearm during the amnesty is advised to check the opening times of their station. To receive advice on how best to transport the weapon responsibly from home to the police station phone 101 before travelling, or to seek advice if you cannot attend one of the participating amnesty points.
"During the amnesty those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession and they can remain anonymous. However, the history of each live weapon will be checked for evidence of its use in crimes.
The firearms amnesty is being held in conjunction with the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS).
Head of NABIS, Detective Chief Superintendent Iain O' Brien, said: "Gun amnesties provide an important opportunity for people to hand firearms over to police and prevent them falling into the hands of criminals and endangering the public. We are pleased that Devon and Cornwall Police is running this operation and we hope as many people as possible take this opportunity to surrender their guns."
If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Every call to Crimestoppers is anonymous and potentially vital to preventing or solving serious crimes; removing an illegally held firearm may just save someone’s life.
The locations and opening times of police stations where people can hand in firearms and ammunition as well as more information and FAQs can be found by visiting: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/firearms-amnesty
