North Wales - Two-week gun amnesty launched in North Wales

Published date: 04 April 2016 | 

Published by: Staff reporter
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More than 90 guns were handed in to North Wales Police during the firearms surrender in 2014 

NORTH Wales Police has joined forces from across the North West in holding a two week surrender of firearms and ammunition. 

The gun surrender, which began at 7am on Monday, April 4 and will run until 11.59pm on Monday, April 18 offers the public a chance to dispose of unwanted, unlicensed weapons at a number of police stations across the region to avoid the risk of them becoming involved in criminality. 

During the period of the campaign, those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for the illegal possession and can remain anonymous. 

Chief Inspector Neil Thomas said: “Many firearms are held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or are overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes. 

“Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to harm, threaten and intimidate their local communities. 

“The surrender gives the chance to dispose of the firearm or ammunition with no questions asked, by simply taking it to a local police station and handing it in – before a police operation to retrieve them takes place.” 

Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Winston Roddick CB QC said: “We must all work together to get rid of these weapons off the streets in North Wales and the north west of England. I therefore fully support this firearms surrender”. 

During the last gun surrender in 2014, more than 90 firearms were handed into stations across North Wales. 

Weapons and ammunition can be surrendered at the following police stations – Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Caernarfon, Bangor and Holyhead and anyone handing in a firearm, ammunition or any other weapon during the surrender is advised to check the opening times of their station by calling 101 or visiting the North Wales Police website. 

People who are unable to visit any of these stations are advised to contact North Wales Police on 101 to make alternative arrangements. 

If you know of anyone in possession of illegal firearms, or to receive further advice on how best to transport the weapon responsibly from home to the police station phone 101 before travelling. 

For more information about firearms licensing, visit: http://www.north-wales.police.uk/about-us/departments/firearms-licensing.aspx 

see-http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/160537/two-week-gun-amnesty-launched-in-north-wales.aspx