Essex Police take part in national firearms surrender
People can hand in unwanted or unlicensed firearms without facing prosecution for illegal possession
Last updated 24th May 2022
Essex Police are currently taking part in a 14-day firearms surrender, which allows people to surrender any unwanted or unlicensed firearms and ammunition to stop them from falling into the hands of criminals.
It will run until 5pm on Sunday 29th May.
During this time, members of the public are encouraged to hand in unwanted firearms, ammunition, imitation firearms, and air or gas-powered weapons to one of eight police stations.
Whilst the surrender is active, anyone surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession, and is able to remain anonymous when handing the items in.
Essex Police have warned though that this does not mean people are exempt from prosecution if they've committed any firearms-related offences, as the history of each weapon will be checked to see if it's linked to any crimes.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Coan said: “Thankfully, crimes in Essex involving firearms are relatively few but we know that firearms can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.
“This amnesty will give people the opportunity to safely dispose of any unwanted or unlicensed firearms and ammunition safely, ensuring they do not fall into the wrong hands.
“It may also be that you possess a firearm legally, but you just don’t want or need it anymore and want to dispose of it safely.
“Essex has many responsible licensed firearms holders, however there have been a number of changes to the law in recent years and people may not be aware of how these changes affect them.
“There may also be people out there who have inherited weapons from elderly relatives or friends that are actually not legal for them to possess.
“This amnesty gives them the opportunity to surrender the items and not be prosecuted.”
The weapons can be surrendered at:
• Clacton police station
• Colchester police station
• Braintree police station
• Chelmsford police station
• Southend police station
• Basildon police station
• Grays police station
• Harlow police station
Police ask that those wishing to surrender any items call ahead on 101 so they can be advised on how best to transport the item.
The public can also use the 101 service to arrange for a police officer to come and collect the weapon.
DCI Coan added: “As well as real firearms, we are also keen for the public to hand in imitation firearms, air weapons and BB guns.
“Often it can be difficult to tell an imitation firearm apart from a real one, but the fear and concern felt when one is produced is just the same.”