WEST Midlands Police is urging residents to help take lethal weapons off the streets and save lives as part of a two week national firearm surrender.
The National Ballistics Intelligence Service-lead surrender, which runs until May 29, gives people the chance to dispose of a gun or ammunition.
There is 10 designated police stations across the region, including Coventry’s Little Park Street and Solihull’s Homer Road, where items can be taken.
West Midlands Police is also appealing for anyone who has an unused shotgun or antique firearms – often World War relics gathering dust in lofts – to take advantage of the surrender and prevent any possibility of them falling into the wrong hands.
Stun guns and pepper spray can also be handed in, as they can not only be dangerous but are illegal in this country – it could mean a jail sentence for anyone caught with them in their possession.
The last local surrender in the summer of 2019, saw almost 150 items handed in, including 15 lethal firearms and 22 air weapons.
Over the last 12 months the number of lethal barrelled firearms the force has recovered has risen by 13 per cent – with a total of 140 seized.
Police also carried out around 199 firearms warrants acting on firearms intelligence last year.
Chief Superintendent Paul Drover, from Force CID, said: “We want to get as many firearms off our streets as possible and so avoid them potentially getting into the hands of criminals.
“Previous gun surrenders have proved very successful – with every gun that’s handed in being one less that could harm or threaten the safety of our communities.
“We have an excellent track record of putting criminals who cause fear before the courts.
“Enforcement activity like this is important, but we know that it’s also vital that police, partners and the community work together to help stop young people getting involved in violent crime and gang activity in the first place.”
To get advice on how to transport the weapon responsibly from home to the police station contact police online or call 101 before setting off.
Anyone unable to get to a police station should contact police to make arrangements to collect the weapon.
If you suspect anyone to be involved in illegal firearms let us know via Live Chat, or call 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
