Firearms surrender begins on Monday

A two-week firearms surrender begins on Monday.

Both Nottinghamshire Police and Lincolnshire Police are included in the national campaign, three years since the last surrender.

Members of the public have been asked to surrender unlawfully held or unwanted guns and ammunition, to prevent them falling into criminal hands.

The surrender runs from Monday to Sunday, November 26.

During that period, those handing over firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession, at the point of surrender, and can remain anonymous.

Newark Police Station is among the locations that people can hand in firearms.

During the last surrender in Nottinghamshire, 232 firearms and thousands of pieces of ammunition were recovered.

'Firearms, in the wrong hands, can cause serious injury or worse'

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “If you know where a weapon is being kept illegally, now is your chance to give up the gun, or tell us anonymously where it is. You will not face prosecution at the point of surrender and you could save a life.

“One weapon off the streets is one less that can be used to harm or threaten our communities.”

Anyone who wants to hand in a firearm should check the opening times of the police station by calling 101 or visiting www.nottinghamshire.police.uk

Other stations in the county that are part of the amnesty are Mansfield, Radford Road (Nottingham) and Worksop.

Mr Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Firearms, in the wrong hands, can cause serious injury or worse.

“This surrender gives people the opportunity to hand firearms over to the police to prevent them from falling into the hands of criminals.”

Illegal possession of a firearm can mean five years behind bars. If the person is found guilty of possession with intent to supply, it can lead to a life sentence.