Leicestershire and Rutland Police appeal for unwanted firearms
It's part of a nationwide effort to reduce the number of guns in communities
Last updated 10th May 2022
Members of the public in Leicestershire and Rutland in possession of unwanted, unlicensed or illegal firearms will have the limited opportunity to hand them into police.
From May 12th - 29th, anyone that's come by or inherited a firearm or ammunition will safely be able to get rid without any criminal proceedings.
However, the force may still investigate offences linked to any firearm they receive in order to combat gun crime.
It's part of nationwide efforts to reduce the number of guns which could potentially end up on streets or be used to carry out crimes.
Illegal possession of a firearm such as a hand gun or shotgun can mean five years behind bars which can lead to a life sentence if found guilty of possession with intent to supply.
Firearms can be surrendered at the following locations across Leicestershire:
- Mansfield House Police Station, Belgrave Gate, Leicester: Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm, Saturday: 10am – 6pm, Sunday: 10am – 4pm
- Keyham Lane Police Station, Colin Grundy Drive, Hamilton, Leicester: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.
- Market Harborough Police Station, Fairfield Road, Market Harborough: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm.
- Melton Police Station, King Street, Melton: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm
- Braunstone Police Station, Hallam Crescent East, Braunstone Town, Leicester: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm.
- Hinckley Police Station, Upper Bond Street, Hinckley: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm (closed 2pm - 2.45pm), Saturday 9am - 3pm
- Wigston Police Station, Bull Head Street, Wigston: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm
- Beaumont Leys Police Station, Beaumont Way, Leicester: Monday – Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
- Loughborough Police Station, Southfield Road, Loughborough: Monday 10am-6pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8.30am-8pm, Friday 12noon-8pm, Saturday 10am-1.30pm.
Chief inspector Cara Guest-Moore told Greatest Hits Radio: 'People can come by firearms by various means, I.E: passed down in generation through the families, been found in a loft or in a shed, people don't always know what to do with it and they're a bit fearful that if they hand it in they would be prosecuted.
'This time between the 12th-29th May gives them that opportunity to know that criminal proceedings would not be initiated a that time.'