Amnesty sees 39 guns handed over in Shropshire

Part of a national initiative to reduce gun crime, the project is running until November 26. Police say handing in firearms will help make the region a safer place.

Figures released by the force show that 26 firearms have been handed in to police stations in Telford and 13 in Shropshire this week.

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

Chief Inspector Mark Colquhoun said: “Compared with other areas of the country we don’t have a major gun problem but this will help keep our communities safe.

“People may have older or historical weapons stored in lofts or garages which have been inherited or passed down through the family, and these can also be disposed of during the surrender. While these are not being used for criminal activities, they can and sometimes do fall into the wrong hands and can then be used to commit crimes.”

“We’re extremely pleased with the public’s response so far and the support they have shown in helping us to make the region safer. The surrender ends on Sunday, and I would encourage as many people as possible to take this opportunity to hand in any unregistered firearms or firearms they no longer require during this time.”

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