Police Urge Gun Owners to Take Advantage of Final Day of Gun Hand-In

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 28/03/2008

With only three days remaining before the GMP imitation and air gun hand-in comes to an end, police are urging the public to take advantage of this final opportunity to get rid of any weapons they may have without fear of prosecution.

Police are warning that after the hand in comes to an end, there will be a crackdown. People have one month to surrender any imitation weapons and after Monday (31 March 2008), anyone found in possession of these will be prosecuted.  

Carrying imitation firearms in a public place without authority is illegal and could lead to six months in prison.  Recent legislation aimed at curbing the ownership of firearms makes it illegal to sell, manufacture or import any realistic imitation firearm. It also prohibits the sale or transfer of air weapons unless registered with the police as a firearms dealer.

People have until midnight Monday 31 March 2008 to take advantage of the hand in and not be prosecuted for possessing an illegal firearm. Imitation firearms, air weapons and ball bearing (BB) guns can be handed in at all police stations with a counter service in Greater Manchester during opening hours between Monday 3 and 31 of March 2008.

Wherever possible guns handed in will be recycled and proceeds donated to charity to help fund projects in war-torn communities around the world.

For details on how to contact the nearest police station, visit the GMP website www.gmp.police.uk or call GMP's non-emergency number 0161 872 5050. Do not phone 999.