Cumbria will see a month long amnesty begin as blank firing weapons become illegal to own.
Cumbria Police is running the amnesty as part of a national effort to encourage people to safely hand-in previously lawful blank-firing weapons during February.
Police forces across England and Wales will be holding the four-week amnesty from February 2 to February 27 for five models of side or top-venting – TVBFs – weapons manufactured by Bruni.
The following five imitation firearms can be handed in to local police station without fear of prosecution, after tests by the National Crime Agency and policing showed they are readily convertible and are therefore illegal to possess:
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ blank firing self-loading pistol
- 380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single-action blank firing revolver
The amnesty period is designed to enable those who purchased one of the models legally for their intended use to dispose of them safely.
It also prevents potentially lethal weapons falling into the hands of criminals who may seek to convert them and pose a risk to the public.
Possession of one of the guns after the amnesty ends could result in a prison sentence of 10 years.
During the amnesty period, those handing in one of the listed Bruni-manufactured TVBFs will not face prosecution for the illegal possession and will not have to give their details.
However, the history of any live firearms handed in will be checked for evidence of use in crime.
Chief inspector Sam Turner said: “Cumbria Constabulary is supporting this month-long opportunity for people to safely dispose of firearms and we would encourage anyone who is in possession of such a weapon to come forward.”
The National Police Chiefs’ council lead for the criminal use of firearms, assistant chief constable Tim Metcalfe, said: “Blank firer weapons are legal to buy in the UK as they are designed to discharge only blank cartridges, however policing and our partners are constantly working to ensure firearms don’t fall into the wrong hands or pose a risk to the public.
“When we identify that any models can be easily converted to a functioning firearm, it is crucial that we do all we can to remove those models from sale and circulation.
“We work closely with the National Crime Agency to identify and disrupt workshops being set up by criminals to convert blank firers in to potentially lethal weapons, and this four-week amnesty will support those efforts.
“Anyone who is in possession of a top or side-venting firearm which has been manufactured by Bruni is urged to check the model to see if it is one which is now illegal to possess, and if so, safely surrender it at their nearest police station.”
Weapons can be handed in at the following stations across Cumbria:
North
- Carlisle – Durranhill
- Penrith – Hunter Lane
South
- Barrow police station
- Kendal police station
West
- Whitehaven police station
- Workington police station
When transporting the weapon, please take care. Consider putting it them in a box or strong bag.
Never attempt to take an uncovered firearm out in public. Members of the public are also advised to go directly to a designated station when handing in such items.
To check on opening times please visit: https://www.cumbria.police.uk/contact/find-a-police-station
Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms activity should contact police as a matter of urgency on 999.
Alternatively, if not an emergency, you can report via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
