RESIDENTS can surrender their firearms at Hereford police station over the next two weeks as part of a national operation.

Operation Magpie aims to reduce gun crime and will run in West Mercia and Warwickshire from Monday, November 3 to Sunday, November 16.

Anyone with a firearm living in the area can surrender the weapon at their local police station.

They will not be required to leave any information but if police suspect a weapon may have been involved in a crime they will examine the gun for evidence.

Superintendent Charles Hill said: “Compared to other areas of the country we don’t have a big gun problem in the region.

“However, we are aware of issues of gun crime nationally and we are keen to play our part in supporting this operation and reducing the opportunities for firearms to be used for criminal offence.

“Every firearm surrendered is one less weapon that can be used to commit crime.”

The area has a large number of legal firearms owners and this is also an opportunity for them to hand in old weapons or weapons they no longer require.

Residents who have concerns about someone owning firearms, ammunition or explosives, either legitimately or illegally, can also report them to police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Residents can deposit their firearms at Hereford Police Station in Bath Street, which is open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

All surrendered weapons will be destroyed or in exceptional circumstances, if the weapon has historical value, donated to a museum.