National Firearm Surrender supported by Nottinghamshire Police

To prevent firearms falling into the hands of criminals, people in Nottinghamshire are being given the opportunity to surrender their unwanted guns.

The latest, national two-week Firearms Surrender is being supported by Nottinghamshire Police, meaning weapons can be handed in at the front counters of Mansfield, Newark and Radford Road police stations. The Surrender starts on Saturday 20 July 2019 and runs until Sunday August 4.

Surrendering an illegal weapon during this period will not leave the owner faced with prosecution, and they can remain anonymous if preferred. However any previous offences linked to the firearm will be investigated.

The goal of the surrender is to ensure Nottinghamshire remains a safe environment by reducing the potential availability of guns. It will support the hard work being carried out all year round by Nottinghamshire Police, to recover firearms from criminals.

There were a total of 56 police seizures of firearms between January 1 and mid-June this year – as significant resources are targeted at enforcement against serious organised crime.

Nottinghamshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “This two-week surrender will help prevent firearms getting into the wrong hands and provide members of the community with a safe place to dispose of any firearms they have, whether held lawfully or unlawfully. 

“This is a firearms surrender, not an amnesty. The amnesty applies to possession of a firearm at the point of surrender only.

“By supporting the surrender, people could be saving lives. One weapon off the streets is one less that can be used to harm or threaten our communities.”

Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I’m clear that firearms, in the wrong hands, can cause serious injury or worse. 

“Thankfully the chances of becoming a victim of gun crime Nottinghamshire remains low, but one incident is one too many.  Every firearm that we can take out of circulation is out of harm’s way and I hope that people with old, disused or unwanted firearms, whether they are real, imitation or antique, will take this opportunity to dispose of them responsibly.”  

Police forces across the country are taking part in the surrender, coordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS). If you have a weapon to turn in but can not reach a designated police station, please call 101 for guidance.

If you know of anyone involved with illegal firearms call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you are a licensed firearm holder who wants advice please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101.