ANYONE in Warrington possessing a firearm they should not have can surrender it to police for a two week period starting today (Monday) – without the threat of prosecution.
The weapons can be handed in at Warrington Police Station, in Arpley Street, until Monday, April 18.
Superintendent Bev Raistrick said; “Gun crime in Cheshire is relatively low and that’s the way we want to keep it.
“This surrender provides anyone who believes that they may have an illegal weapon in their possession an opportunity to hand them in to the police without the threat of prosecution.
“During previous amnesties we have found that the majority of the weapons handed in by the public were wartime items that people had inherited from relatives who have passed away.
“Often people are unsure what to do with them so they simply end up being put up in the loft or buried under all of the tools in sheds and outbuildings.”
During the two-week “surrender” period, those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for the illegal possession upon surrender and can remain anonymous.
Superintendent Raistrick added: “By taking time to have a sort through your possessions you could help to make Cheshire an even safer county for future generations.
“By removing just one weapon from the streets you can help ensure that it doesn’t get into the wrong hands. Any items that we do receive will be deactivated before being destroyed.”
Anyone who knows people involved in illegal firearms can call police on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers is offering a reward up to £1000 for information that lead to the recovery of a firearm and an arrest and conviction.
Imitation firearms and airguns are included in the surrender.
Illegally held firearms can be surrendered to police
A chance to get rid of illegal firearms
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