This in from the police, in their own words. Ed
Hampshire Constabulary is launching a campaign aimed at reducing the number of illegally held weapons and ammunition in local communities.
The firearms and ammunition surrender is launching today (Monday November 10) and will run until November 21.
It also coincides with a programme of unannounced home visits to firearm or shotgun certificate holders across the county to ensure that weapons are being held safely.
Success of previous campaign
A previous campaign held in 2003 in the north of Hampshire resulted in 119 firearms (including 41 shotguns and 12 handguns) and 1124 rounds of live ammunition being surrendered in 16 days.
Chief Superintendent Dave Hardcastle who is leading the campaign said:
“The purpose is to reduce the overall harm of gun crime on communities. Fortunately in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, gun crime is rare and we’d like to keep it that way.
“I’d encourage people who illegally hold weapons and ammunition to surrender them to us. This in turn will reduce the risk of these weapons ending up in the wrong hands.”
He added:
“If you have old firearms or ammunition in your loft or shed that you don’t want, then this is the time to surrender them.
“We want to get as many firearms out of circulation and off the streets as possible. One gun in the wrong hands can have catastrophic consequences.“
Changes to firearms legislation
Police are also using the surrender campaign to remind the public about recent changes in firearms legislation (July 2014).
The laws around antique firearms were tightened; which means that someone who has served or received a criminal sentence can no longer possess an antique gun.
The sentencing guidelines for possession for sale or transfer of an unauthorised firearm or ammunition were also raised. The offence now carries a maximum penalty of life.
Anyone who has a conviction and who possesses a firearm should see the surrender campaign as an opportunity to give up their weapon or ammunition.
Keeping our communities safe
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes said:
“I applaud Hampshire Constabulary for supporting this national drive to remove and destroy unlicensed firearms.
“There are of course those who have a legitimate reason for holding a firearm and are licensed to do so. However, for those who don’t, I would strongly urge them to take advantage of this opportunity and hand their weapon in to the police, and help keep our communities safe from harm should the weapon get into the wrong hands.
“Anyone knowing a person holding an unlicensed firearm, I would ask them to make them aware of this opportunity, and encourage them to surrender their weapon.”
How to surrender weapons
To surrender a weapon or ammunition, the public can send an email for an appointment to [email protected] Alternatively for those without access to email, call police on 101.
If a member of the public has concerns about security of a firearm by someone they know, they are also encouraged to call police on 101.
