POLICE in Hereford are asking people to hand in their firearms as they try to combat gun crime.

This week anyone who owns a weapon will be given the opportunity to surrender it to police as part of efforts to keep weapons off our streets.

“Every gun given up is one fewer that criminals could use,” said a spokesperson from West Mercia police.

The countrywide scheme began on Thursday (May 12) and is running to Sunday, May 29.

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“Surrendering unwanted, unlicensed, and illegal weapons avoids the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and means that members of the community can dispose of firearms in a safe place,” said the spokesperson

During this period, those surrendering firearms can remain anonymous and will not face prosecution for the illegal possession at the point of surrender. 

Weapons can be handed into Hereford police station.

If the station is closed when you arrive, please call 999 and wait for a specialist officer to arrive. Never leave firearms unattended.

Illegal possession of a firearm can mean five years in prison and if you are found guilty of possession with intent to supply that can lead to a life sentence. 

This campaign does not affect those with legally held firearms and officers continue to ensure licensed firearms can be used safely.

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Chief Inspector Sarah Corteen said: “Thankfully gun crime is not a significant issue in West Mercia, but we will continue to work hard to keep weapons out of our communities.

“We work closely with our partners and the public and it is vital we reduce opportunities for weapons and ammunition to be used in criminal activity.

“Some people of course have a legitimate reason to own a firearm and we continue to ensure licensed firearms can be used appropriately and safely.

“But previous campaigns have demonstrated that others own unregistered firearms and while they may not be being used, they do have potential to fall into the wrong hands.

“Every gun given up is one fewer that criminals could use.”

If you have information about someone you suspect to be in possession of an illegal weapon, you can contact West Mercia Police by calling 101 or visiting westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/.