West Mercia Police launch gun amnesty in Worcester

West Mercia Police have launched a weapons amnesty today, allowing people to surrender firearms and ammunition without risk of prosecution.

The scheme is part of ongoing work to prevent guns from being used for criminal activity.

Chief Inspector Sarah Corteen said: “Thankfully gun crime is not a significant issue in West Mercia but we will continue to work hard to keep weapons out of our communities.

“We work closely with our partners and the public and it is vital we reduce opportunities for weapons and ammunition to be used in criminal activity.”

She added: “Some people of course have a legitimate reason to own a firearm and we continue to ensure licensed firearms can be used appropriately and safely.

“But previous campaigns have demonstrated that others own unregistered firearms and while they may not be being used, they do have potential to fall into the wrong hands.

“Every gun given up is one fewer that criminals could use.”

Guns can be surrendered anonymously to police stations in Worcester, Redditch and Kidderminster

The scheme opened across the UK today and runs until Sunday, May 29.

According to the police, many people own guns that they have forgotten about or are unaware that they are illegal.

Such weapons can be surrendered at Worcester Police Station, as well as stations in Kidderminster and Redditch among others.

If the station is closed, call 999 and wait for a specialist officer to arrive but do not leave firearms unattended.

Those surrendering firearms can remain anonymous and will not face prosecution for illegal possession, which would ordinarily land you five years in prison.

Possession with intent to supply meanwhile could lead to a life sentence.

To report someone, you suspect may be in possession of an illegal weapon, contact West Mercia Police on 101 or by visiting their website.

Alternatively, report it anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.