Derbyshire Police starts firearms surrender
It runs until Sunday 29 May
A fortnight long firearms surrender aimed at reducing the number of guns in circulation across Derbyshire is being launched today.
From today (Thursday 12 May) until Sunday 29 May, anyone who owns or is in possession of a firearm of any type – be it a pistol, shotgun, rifle, air weapon or imitation – is invited to bring it in to officers.
The idea is to stop firearms from getting into the wrong hands and being used by offenders to commit crimes.
As well as urging people to hand over firearms they don’t legally hold, Derbyshire Police say they also want people to hand in any antique weapons or legally owned guns that licence holders no longer want or need.
And are extending this to any replica or imitation weapons such as BB guns.
The last firearms surrender in Derbyshire was in 2019, and saw 30 firearms handed in including six shotguns, a Browning 9mm Pistol and six imitation firearms.
Inspector Ellen Lovatt, who leads Derbyshire’s Armed Response Unit, said: “We are often asked when embarking on firearms surrenders if we actually think it will have an impact on the use of guns in criminal activity in Derbyshire and beyond.
“Whilst we acknowledge that those using firearms for a criminal purpose are unlikely to surrender them; what we do know is law-abiding members of the public will.
“Recent changes to firearms legislation mean that members of the public may be unaware that their possession of previously legal firearms may now be an offence.
“The Antique Firearms Regulations came into effect on 22 March 2022 and provides a statutory definition of ‘antique firearm’.
“This surrender is part of ongoing work to give people chance to hand over guns that they do not want, no longer need, or should not have in the first place.
“By working together with the public, we can cut the number of guns in circulation and keep our streets and communities safe.”
People who have guns, or other items such as crossbows, CS gas and ammunition they want to hand over to Derbyshire Police can do so at their nearest enquiry office, or by calling 101 to arrange collection. The following stations have enquiry offices, where firearms can be surrendered:
Saint Mary’s Wharf police station (Derby)
Chesterfield police station
Buxton police station