Hampshire Constabulary has seen more than 350 firearms and 95 quantities of ammunition handed in as part of the recent 2-week surrender – including a gun disguised as a walking stick which was handed in to Newport Police Station.
The Firearms and Ammunition Surrender launched on 13th November urging people to take the opportunity to hand in any unwanted or illegal firearms to police, so that they could be disposed of safely.
Firearms handed in across the region include a number of working illegally held self-loading pistols and working revolvers from World War I, including 2 that were used in the Battle of the Somme. Other interesting firearms included a gun made to look like a walking stick and another made to look like a pen.
A number of illegally held shotguns, including a sawn off shotgun, were also handed in as well as a revolver made in 1893, handguns, rifles and numerous air rifles and air pistols. Other surrendered items include deactivated and imitation firearms and BB guns.
On the Isle of Wight a total of 34 items were surrendered to Newport Police Station.
Chief Inspector Emma Baillie, Head of Armed Response for Hampshire and Thames Valley, said:
“We would like to thank everyone who handed in any firearms or ammunition as part of this surrender. This means that there are 351 fewer firearms and imitation firearms on our streets which could have easily fallen into the hands of criminals. As a result our neighbourhoods are much safer, both for our residents and for our officers who work every day and night to protect them.
“We are very pleased that so many people took the opportunity to take part in this initiative and the number of firearms recovered certainly proves how valuable such a surrender is.
Article continues below this advertisement “Gun crime is low in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and has not seen a rise others force areas have, however we cannot be complacent and we will continue to do all we can to make our communities safer.”
Now that the surrender is finished, if you find a firearm or are uncertain about the lawful possession of a firearm, call Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
