A London-wide gun amnesty for people to hand in their firearms and ammunitions anonymously to the police begins today.
‘Give Up Your Gun’ is the Metropolitan Police’s first gun amnesty in six years, and will run for two weeks.
Police are urging owners of antique firearms to give in their guns to prevent them from falling into the hands of gangs.
Any individual who hands over their illegal guns and ammunition will not be prosecuted, although each live weapon will be checked for forensic evidence.
The surrender scheme includes any type of firearm or weapon, including shotguns, BB guns, firearm components, knives and crossbows.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dean Haydon, head of Trident Gang Crime Command, said: “I appeal to anyone who owns an antique firearm or legally owns a gun but who no longer requires it, please hand it in.
“Whether it belongs to you, your son or daughter, brother or sister, friend or partner, by handing it in you are preventing one more weapon falling into the hands of criminals.
“Make no mistake, these are live weapons which can be used to hurt or injure someone.”
He added that gun crime in the capital between 2013 and 2014 was at its lowest in six years.
New gun control legislation passed earlier this year increasing the maximum jail term for possessing an illegal gun from 10 years to life.
“Make no mistake, these are live weapons which can be used to hurt or injure someone.”
Rules for buying antique guns were tightened in July this year, preventing anyone with a criminal record from purchasing or owning one.
Antique gun dealers must also keep computerised records for a minimum of 20 years.
The scheme begins at 7am today and ends at 11pm on November 23.
Anyone planning to hand in a weapon is advised to place it in a bag or holdall so they do not alarm other members of the public.
Visit www.met.police.uk/giveupyourgun for more details.
Image courtesy of GMP, with thanks
