Greater Manchester Police launch crackdown on gun crime
The two week firearms amnesty comes just days after three homes were targeted within hours
Greater Manchester Police have issued a tough warning for anyone carrying a gun, saying anyone caught with one will face the 'full weight of the whole force'.
It comes as GMP launches a fortnight-long firearms surrender, just days after three houses were shot at, hours apart, in Prestwich.
Officers want people with weapons and ammunition in their homes to 'get shot of it', and drop them off at a number of stations.
They say it is vital guns are handed in, to stop them falling into the wrong hands.
The initiative is calling on collectors, licence holders and anyone who has inherited a firearm.
Police believe a lot of weapons may be held innocently, with people unaware of the fact they are illegal, or may simply have been forgotten in people's homes.
The force is also warning people that stun guns and other similar devices are also illegal, with many people unaware tasers are prohibited.
Illegal possession of a firearm can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison and if you are found guilty of possession with intent to supply, this can increase to life in prison.
There has been an increase in the theft of legitimately held firearms over the past year, and anyone who has a gun in their house is at risk of becoming a victim of gun theft.
Chief Superintendent Tony Creely said: “Gun crime in the UK remains one of the lowest in the world, however we are not complacent about this type of crime, which is why we are conducting the firearms surrender now.
“If you have a firearm in your house that you have inherited, have found, or are keeping for someone else, this is your opportunity to hand it into us, to free yourself of the burden. Burglaries involving firearms have increased so don’t let yours fall into the wrong hands.
“Firearms and ammunition can be surrendered at any GMP station without any questions being asked. Please check opening times by visiting your local force website. If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity please call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.