Burnham-On-Sea Police are appealing for people to hand in any unwanted guns during a two week surrender of firearms and ammunition, which starts on Monday 13th November.
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.
This surrender is being held to give local people the chance to dispose of firearms or ammunition in a safe place and will be held for two weeks starting from Monday.
During the fortnight, those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for the illegal possession upon surrender and can remain anonymous.
Surrendering unwanted, unlicensed weapons stops the risk of them becoming involved in criminality.
While firearms can be surrendered at any police station, including Burnham-On-Sea, Police are encouraging members of the public to visit the local specially designated station which is Bridgwater Police Centre (open 8am – 8pm everyday).
The station is also where the Police’s knife surrender bins are located, and these will remain in place for the duration of the operation.
Members of the public will be able to continue to surrender their bladed weapons during this time.
Chief Inspector John Holt said: “The fight against gun crime is stronger than ever and we are working with partners and our local communities to safeguard, educate and intervene at the earliest opportunity.”
“We use various tactics to locate weapons that have fallen into the wrong hands – but we need the public’s help. We want as many weapons as possible and would encourage people to hand them in.”
“If you know where a weapon is being kept illegally, now is your chance to give up the gun, or tell us anonymously where it is. You will not be prosecuted and you could save a life.”
“One weapon off the streets is one less that can be used to harm or threaten our communities. We will use all of the powers and information available to us to locate this criminality and put a stop to it for good.”
If someone is unable to travel to a police station they should contact police via 101 and arrange for the firearm to be collected.
If you know of people involved in illegal firearms call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
