‘Surrender your illegal firearms or risk 5 years behind bars’

CAMPAIGN TO GET MORE WEAPONS OFF STREETS

could face five years behind bars if they do not take the chance to hand in their illegal firearms during an amnesty this month, officers warn.

Police in Leicester and the wider county have joined a national campaign. It applies to anyone who has an illegal, unwanted or unlicensed firearm or ammunition in Leicestershire.

Co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (Nabis), the surrender is the public’s chance to hand over any firearms.

The “surrender” starts today and also applies to stun guns, Tasers and CS spray.

The surrender is not an amnesty, with police saying they may investigate offences connected to any items prior to their hand over. This is all part of efforts to reassure communities about gun crime in their area.

Chief Inspector Cara Guest-Moore said: “The campaign to surrender unwanted or illegal firearms avoids the risk of them becoming involved in crime and means that members of the community can dispose of them in a safe place.

“Firearms can be inherited through various ways – many are handed down through family or found in lofts or sheds, gathering dust and forgotten about. However, this surrender gives the public the opportunity to hand in any unwanted, unlicensed or illegal firearms - and can be confident they have been disposed of safely.”

Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “One weapon off the streets is one less that can fall into the wrong hands and be used to harm or threaten our communities. As a police force, we use various tactics to locate weapons that have fallen into the wrong hands, but this is an opportunity for the public to help us.

“The fight against gun crime is stronger than ever and we are working with partners and local commuPEOPLE nities to safeguard, educate and intervene at the earliest opportunity.”

Anyone who continues to own an illegal handgun after the surrender risks five years behind bars. If someone is then found guilty of possession with intent to supply, they could be jailed for life. Anyone who knows of someone involved with illegal firearms should call police on 101. Information can also be passed to officers via Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

In all, nine police stations are taking part in the surrender, which runs until Sunday, May 29. Their opening times are as follows.

■ Mansfield House Police Station, Belgrave Gate, Leicester: Monday – Friday: 8am–6pm, Saturday: 10am – 6pm, Sunday: 10am–4pm.

■ Keyham Lane Police Station, Colin Grundy Drive, Hamilton, Leicester: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.

■ Market Harborough Police Station, Fairfield Road: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm.

■ Melton Police Station, King Street: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm.

■ Braunstone Police Station, Hallam Crescent East, Braunstone Town: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm.

■ Hinckley Police Station, Upper Bond Street: Monday - Friday 9am 6pm (closed 2pm - 2.45pm), Saturday 9am - 3pm.

■ Wigston Police Station, Bull Head Street: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm.

■ Beaumont Leys Police Station, Beaumont Way: Monday – Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm.

■ Loughborough Police Station, Southfield Road: Monday 10am6pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8.30am8pm, Friday noon-8pm, Saturday 10am-1.30pm.