More than 260 items have been collected by Wiltshire Police during a two week national firearms surrender, which finished on Sunday (26 November).
This is two and a half times the number handed in during the last surrender in 2015.
Items collected include 39 air rifles, 51 shotguns, 12 revolvers, one antique musket and a crossbow. Ammunition has also been collected with some of the firearms.
Inspector Barry Hickman said: “We’re really pleased with the response we’ve had from the public and by the number of weapons we’ve had handed in – it means there are now 260 fewer firearms within the communities of Wiltshire.
“There were a mix of weapons handed in. However most of the items surrendered were shotguns and air rifles, which is what we expect in a rural county.
“Many of the firearms are old and cobweb-covered, which have been in people’s possession for some time. Those handing in firearms to us have been really pleased they could do so through this surrender, giving them the opportunity to dispose of the weapons safely.”
Firearms collected also include inherited service weapons from World War I and II, a deactivated AK-47, handguns, starting pistols, BB guns and an empty tear-gas grenade from WWI.
The majority of the firearms collected will be destroyed. Wiltshire Police has also established contacts with weapon museums and some of the antique items are likely to be passed to them for display.
The firearms surrender ran from Monday 13 November until Sunday 26 November. During this time Wiltshire Police appealed for people to hand over unlicensed or unwanted firearms and ammunition.
Many firearms are held in innocence of their illegality or may be overlooked or forgotten in people’s homes.
The laws around antique firearms were tightened in 2014 which mean that someone who has served or received a criminal sentence can no longer possess an antique firearm. The sentencing guidelines for possession for sale or transfer of an unauthorised firearm or ammunition were also raised and this offence now carries a maximum penalty of life.
Inspector Hickman added:
“The fight against gun crime is stronger than ever and we are working with partners and our local communities to safeguard, educate and intervene at the earliest opportunity.
“One weapon off the streets is one less that can be used to harm or threaten our communities.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, said: “I would like to applaud Wiltshire Police for this welcome initiative, and the people who have come forward and surrendered unlicensed or unwanted firearms.
“Their responsible attitude has helped to make Wiltshire a safer place by removing the risk of the firearms getting into the wrong hands or being accidentally fired.
“Wiltshire is one of the safest counties in the country and this campaign will help to keep it that way.”
If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.
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.
