Cops launch firearms amnesty

poLicE have launched a firearms blitz to get weapons off the streets.

A chilling haul of more than 11,500 weapons – including rifles, pistols and crossbows – were surrendered to officers two years ago during their last amnesty.

Firearms and ammunition can be surrendered at Scots police stations from today until Sunday, July 1.

Replica firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, component parts and other items can be handed in. Police BY STEPHEN STEWART Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, said: “The purpose of the firearms surrender campaign is to remove firearms from criminal availability, thereby reducing the risk of harm to the public.

“Similarly, if people still have unwanted air weapons that are unlicensed or have come across firearms while clearing out a house, these can be surrendered.”

In 2016, 11,569 weapons were handed in, with a further 1300 surrendered after the official closing of the amnesty.

The Scottish Government pledged to clamp down on air weapons after Andrew Morton, two, from Glasgow, was killed by an airgun in 2005. Mark Bonini was sentenced to life in jail for his murder.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “I welcome Police Scotland’s campaign to remove unwanted weapons from our communities and would urge anyone who has a firearm that they have no good reason for keeping to take this opportunity to safely surrender it to the police.”

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC said: “Anybody surrendering a firearm or other relevant item during the two-week campaign will not be prosecuted for simple possession of the item.

“The immunity only applies to hand over of the weapon and not to any other offence it may be linked to after examination.”