Police are appealing for people to hand over unwanted guns during a nationwide two-week firearm surrender.
From today, Monday November 13, until Sunday, November 26, Gwent Police is joining with forces across the UK in asking members of the public to surrender unlawfully held or unwanted guns and ammunition to prevent them from getting into criminal hands.
During the two-week period, people handing over firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession and can remain anonymous.
The previous national surrender was in 2014 when almost 100 firearms were handed in across South Wales. This year’s is once again being co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS).
In Caerphilly County Borough, firearms and ammunition can be handed in at police stations in Blackwood (open daily between 8am and 8pm), Caerphilly town (between Monday and Friday 9am to 5pm), and Ystrad Mynach (Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm).
Superintendent Glyn Fernquest said: “Whilst we don’t experience a high level of gun crime in Gwent, we are joining forces with our partners in Wales and across the UK to support the national NABIS Fire Arm Surrender 2017.
“Many firearms are held in innocence however there is always a risk that they can end up in the wrong hands and used in criminality.
“This initiative gives people the opportunity to dispose of any unwanted or unused firearms safely and anonymously, whether they are held lawfully or unlawfully.
“This is a surrender and not an amnesty so whilst people will not be prosecuted for the possession of the firearm, our specialist officers will be examining the previous use of the firearm.”
Latest crime figures issued last month by the Office for National Statistics show that crime involving firearms in England and Wales had increased by 27% between July 2016 and June 2017.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jo Chilton, Head of NABIS, added: “Surrendering unwanted or illegal firearms avoids the risk of them becoming involved in crime and means that members of the community can dispose of them in a safe place.
“Perhaps you have a gun that has been handed down through the family or you have found a firearm in your loft or shed which has been gathering dust and you had forgotten about.
“During the campaign this November you can contact your local force and hand in any unwanted or illegal firearms. This way you can be confident you have got rid of a firearm safely.”
Anyone involved with illegal firearms can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you are a licensed firearm holder who wants advice contact the Gwent Police Firearms Licencing Team.
First surrender at Blackwood station @NABIS_UK A BB gun, but looks and feels like the real thing. #firearmssurrender #amnesty pic.twitter.com/Qt5jLt06Kz
— Insp Stephen Drayton (@gpinspsdrayton) November 13, 2017