Mid-Campaign Firearms Surrender Update
The current firearms surrender has started very well with hundreds of items already handed in across England, Scotland and Wales.
Starting on Thursday 12th May 2022 the two-week campaign, coordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) runs until Sunday 29th May 2022.
Police forces have been supporting the surrender initiative and encouraging members of the public to give up their unwanted guns and ammunition. Items can be surrendered anonymously at local police stations.
The two-week campaign supports the Government’s on-going Serious Violence Strategy. The last national firearms surrender took place in Summer 2019 and saw a significant number of items handed in.
Head of NABIS, Detective Chief Superintendent Jo Clews said: “We are very pleased with the public’s response so far and satisfied that so many firearms and ammunition have already been handed in to police. This means there are fewer guns which can potentially get into the hands of criminals and cause fear or harm. We want to help police forces tackle gun crime, reduce serious violence in communities and, ultimately, save lives.”
Latest figures issued by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed a 5% decrease in firearms offences in England and Wales for the 12-month period up to the end of December 2021 compared to the previous year. Offences fell from 5,983 to 5,682 (these stats cover England & Wales and relate to all firearms offences, not just gun discharges).
NABIS commissioned a short film to highlight the surrender campaign which can be viewed via the NABIS website at www.nabis.police.uk.
Items handed in so far include shotguns, pistols, antique guns and various rounds of ammunition, as well as air rifles and crossbows. Anyone who still wants to surrender any firearms or ammunition, anonymously, should contact their local police force by calling 101 or visit their force website to find out which police stations are accepting items.
Many of the items handed in will be destroyed however some of the more unusual items may be retained for historic or national interest.
You can report information about gun crime or illegal guns to independent charity CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
For more surrender updates and information about NABIS follow us on Twitter @NABIS_UK