Police urge public to hand in guns and ammunition with firearms surrender

Warwickshire Police is supporting a national firearms and ammunition surrender campaign between 23-29 May.

Many firearms are held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or are overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes. Some are held legally and are no longer required. Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to harm, threaten and intimidate their local communities. The surrender gives people the chance to dispose of firearms or ammunition by simply taking them to a local police station and handing them over.

People surrendering weapons will not be required to leave any information.

Surrendering unwanted, unlicensed and illegal weapons avoids them falling into the wrong hands and being used in crime. It means members of the public can dispose of firearms in a safe way.

Superintendent Lee Kemp, community policing lead, said: “We’re fortunate in Warwickshire that we don’t have a big problem with gun crime. However, there are a lot of licensed firearms in the county. As well as these legal firearms and ammunition there are likely to be unregistered older weapons, perhaps in people’s lofts and garages. These weapons can and do sometimes fall into the wrong hands and are used to commit crime.

“Every firearm and piece of ammunition surrendered is one less weapon that can be used to commit an offence.”

To report any concerns abut people in possession of firearms please call the 101 non-emergency number. In an emergency call 999. Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the website – www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Details of Police stations in Warwickshire where firearms can be deposited:

Nuneaton Justice Centre:

Monday-Friday   8am-6pm

Saturday           8am-5pm

Sunday             10.30am-3pm

 

Leamington Justice Centre:

Monday-Friday   8am-6pm

Saturday           8am-5pm

Sunday             10.30am-3pm

 

Stratford Police Station:

Wednesday 25 May       9am-5pm

Saturday 28 May          9am-4pm

Sunday 29 May            11.30am-4pm

The front counter will be closed for lunch between 12.00-12.45pm

 

Rugby Police Station:

Wednesday 25 May       9am-5pm

Saturday 28 May          9am-4pm

Sunday 29 May            11.30am-4pm

The front counter will be closed for lunch between 12.00-12.45pm

 

Posted by SJC, Corporate Communications