Close to 200 weapons handed in during fortnight-long amnesty

The surrender, which ran between 13th and 26th November, was part of a national firearms initiative. Forces appealed to the public to hand in as many unlicensed or unwanted firearms to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of criminals.

In Cumbria, police widened the remit of the surrender to include knives and other weapons.

During the surrender those handing over weapons would not face prosecution for the illegal possession at the point of surrender.

The firearms surrender was coordinated by the National Ballistic Intelligence Service (NABIS) who offer forensic, tactical and strategic intelligence to tackle all aspects of firearms related crime.

Weapons handed in during the surrender period are:  

18          Air Pistols and BB guns

26          Air Rifles

9            ‘Airsoft’ weapons

5            Blank-firing pistols

3            Self-loading pistols

6            Revolver handguns

5            Other pistols (real)

5            Rifles

24          Shotguns

2            Replica firearms

2            Component parts

1            CS Spray

86          Knives

Superintendent Mark Pannone said: “This has been a successful operation with many dangerous weapons handed in from members of the public and now out of the reach of criminals.

“The number of weapons handed in is proof that people in Cumbria take the issue of guns and knives in our communities very seriously.

“Many of these weapons were simply sitting in houses unused, some were antiques or trophies of war that have been passed down through generations. The danger of these weapons is that they could fall into the hands of a criminal which could cause serious or fatal injury. 

“I’d like to thank those who have handed in weapons in during the surrender as you have contributed to making Cumbria a safer place.” 

If you have a specific enquiry relating to firearms licensing please visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/Services/General-Services/Firearms-Licensing.aspx.