Guns taken off the streets

Having passed the halfway point, Greater Manchester Police and neighbouring forces across the region continue to appeal for people to Give up the Gun with the two-week surrender for firearms and ammunition.

It’s been two years since the last firearms surrender, where forces asked members of the public to surrender unlawfully held or unwanted guns and ammunition, to help prevent them getting into the wrong hands. The surrender wexpires next Monday.

Giving up unwanted, unlicensed weapons avoids the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and means that members of the community can dispose of firearms in a safe place.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare said: “It has been an extremely successful first week for the surrender and we would like to thank those who have taken the opportunity to give up the gun. However, we know there are many more firearms out there that we can take off the streets. We urge those who are still holding onto weapons to hand them in before the surrender comes to an end.

“The more weapons we are able to secure, the less opportunity there is for criminals to use them.”

Of the real and immitation weapons handed in so far, 87 were handguns, seven were shotguns, 16 were rifles and five were described as “other.”

Weapons and ammunition can be surrendered at the front desk of any police station but those doing so are advised to check the opening times of their station in advance by calling 101 or visiting the police website.

If you know of people involved in illegal firearms call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 which is offering £1,000 rewards for details leading to recovery of weapons and convictions.