Firearms amnesty launched across Northamptonshire after last campaign saw 41 weapons handed in
A firearms amnesty has been launched across Northamptonshire, after the last campaign saw 41 weapons handed in.
Northamptonshire Police is asking people to hand in unwanted and illegal firearms as part of a national four-week amnesty, which begins today Monday February 2 and will run until Friday February 27.
The amnesty has a particular focus on BRUNI top/side venting blank firing (TVBFs) firearms, which have a fully blocked barrel and are designed to discharge only blank cartridges.
The last firearms surrender in Northamptonshire, which ran from August 26 to October 5 last year, saw 41 weapons handed in.
Firearms police want people to hand in during the amnesty
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ blank firing self-loading pistol
- .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single-action blank firing revolver
- illegally-held guns and ammunition
- firearms you may have been asked to hide for someone else
Possession of one of the guns after the amnesty ends could result in a prison sentence of 10 years, according to police.
Operations Inspector Craig Johnson said: “Supporting this kind of amnesty is crucial as part of our commitment to take as many dangerous weapons off our streets as possible and I would encourage anyone with a firearm in their possession to hand it in, no questions asked.
“This time round, we are particularly appealing to anyone who might own a BRUNI top/side venting blank firing firearm.
“These firearms were commonly bought for very innocent purposes such as starting races so we believe that a lot of people might own them and be completely unaware that they have now been declared illegal."
During the amnesty, those handing over firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession at the point of surrender and can remain anonymous, according to police.
Firearms and ammunition can be given up by calling Northamptonshire Police on 101 and making an appointment for the items to be collected.
If you know of anyone involved with illegal firearms contact police on 101, get in touch online at www.northants.police.uk, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.