Police highlight gun danger in online video
METROPOLITAN Police is encouraging Londoners to hand over firearms as it releases a social media video highlighting the dangers of guns.
The video was released on Monday, which marked the beginning of a twoweek national gun surrender week running until Sunday November 26.
During the two-week period, Londoners will be able to hand in a firearm or ammunition to police and will not face prosecution for illegal possession.
Individuals can remain anonymous and weapons can be handed in to one of 34 stations across London.
Police stations in west London include South Harrow, Acton and Hounslow, which are all open 24 hours a day.
The police video portrays the story of a young male who underestimates the consequences of possessing a gun.
In the video, he says: “It will get me the respect I need.” This is juxtaposed with words from Met Police, which read: “It will make you a target.”
The male continues: “They can’t touch me, no one can stop me.”
A gun shot can then be heard followed by police sirens.
The video ends with words of advice from the police: “Whatever your reason for carrying a gun, it will never be worth the risk”.
The Met’s gun surrender programme is in partnership with City of London Police, and commander Jane Gyford, of City of London Police, is urging those in possession to come forward.
She says: “I would encourage anyone who knows about, or owns, an illegal firearm, to surrender it at one of the designated police stations across the UK.”
Individuals are being encouraged to hand in any firearm, including shotguns, rifles, handguns, BB guns, imitation firearms, as well as any antique, ex-military weapons or ammunition.
Commander Jim Stokley, of the Met’s Trident and Area Crime Command, said: “The guns we see being used in shooting incidents in London are often converted, formerly legally-owned, firearms. Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to threaten or harm their local communities.
“We know friends, family members and girlfriends of gang members are often asked to look after firearms to hide them from police, but saying ‘it’s not my gun’ is not a defence.”