Shropshire Star

Gun amnesty will make people feel safer, says West Mercia police commissioner

West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed the launch of a firearms surrender and says it will help people to feel more secure.

Published

A two-week operation firearms surrender launched yesterday in Shropshire and Mid Wales as part of a national campaign.

West Mercia Police and Dyfed-Powys Police are asking people to hand in their unwanted guns and ammunition.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I am committed to building communities where people are safe and feel safe.

“Through initiatives like this, West Mercia Police are taking illegitimate weapons off our streets and helping people to feel more secure, particularly in our rural communities where there is a higher number of licensced and legitimate firearms holders. Fortunately any kind of gun crime is rare in West Mercia policing areas, and I am committed to ensuring West Mercia Police have the resources to continue to protect our communities.”

In Shropshire, people can surrender their firearms anonymously at Malinsgate Police Station in Telford and Shrewsbury Police Station.

Llandrindod Wells Police Station, Newtown Police Station and Brecon Police Station will be among the locations used by Dyfed-Powys Police.

The national initiative is being co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS), with all forces in England and Wales taking part.

The aim is to reduce the number of illegal or unlicensed firearms in circulation and to decrease the opportunities for firearms to be used in crimes.

During the last surrender in 2014, more than 6,000 items were handed into police nationally. These included hand guns, rifles, shotguns and antique guns and imitation firearms, as well as ammunition.

People surrendering firearms will not be required to leave any information but if police suspect a weapon may have been involved in a crime, they will examine it for evidence.

All surrendered weapons will be destroyed or in exceptional circumstances, if the weapon has historical value, it may be donated to a museum.

Illegal possession of a firearm can mean five years behind bars.

For anyone found guilty of possession with intent to supply, it can lead to a life sentence.

Weapons and ammunition can be surrendered at any police station but anyone handing in a firearm, ammunition or any other weapon during the surrender is advised to check the opening times of their station by calling 101.