[P]olice have received over 45 weapons from members of the public so far during a fortnight-long surrender period.
The surrender, which is running between 13th and 26th November, is part of a national campaign to prevent firearms falling into the wrong hands.
In Cumbria, the remit of the surrender has been widened to include knives and other weapons. Every weapon that is handed in is one less that can be used to cause harm or be involved in other acts of criminality.
In the first week police have received:
- Six air rifles
- Six air pistols
- Six shotguns (one deactivated)
- Four pistols
- Three BB/Airsoft guns
- One submachine gun (deactivated)
- One self-loading pistol
- One blank firing pistol
- 12 consignments of ammunition
- Three flares
- 15 knives
Many firearms are held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or are overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes. Some are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to harm, threaten and intimidate their local communities. The surrender gives the chance to dispose of the firearm or ammunition safely by simply taking it to a police station and handing it in.
If you have any unlawfully held or unwanted firearms, knives, ammunition or other weapons please make use of the surrender opportunity.
During the surrender those handing over weapons will not face prosecution for the illegal possession, at the point of surrender, and can remain anonymous.
Superintendent Mark Pannone said: “The number of weapons handed in is proof that people in Cumbria take the issue of guns and knives in our communities very seriously.
“If you have a gun that is not licensed or not needed please bring them into one of the six police stations during the next week and hand it in. The same goes for knives and other weapons. Every single weapon taken off the street can only be a good thing for our county and the people that live within it.
“Cumbria has a large number of people who hold licensed firearms and store them appropriately. However we are very aware that there is a number of people who have collected firearms over years that sit unused. If you are one of these people why not take advantage of this surrender period – it could save somebody’s life.”
The surrender is being coordinated by the National Ballistic Intelligence Service (NABIS) who offer forensic, tactical and strategic intelligence to tackle all aspects of firearms related crime.
The stations where you can hand your weapons in are:
North
- Carlisle
- Penrith
South
- Barrow
- Kendal
West
- Whitehaven
- Workington
Anyone wishing to hand in weapons should put them in a box or strong bag and put ammunition in a separate box or bag. Never attempt to take an uncovered weapon out in public. Members of the public are also advised to go directly to a designated station when handing in a weapon.
To check on opening times please visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/contact-us/police-stations.
Authorised firearms officers will be available to collect firearms from those who are unable to attend a police station. For further details in arranging the collection of your firearm or ammunition please contact police on 101.
If you have a specific enquiry relating to firearms licensing please visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/Services/General-Services/Firearms-Licensing.aspx.
