In the Wrong Hands: Firearms surrender period extended

Following an extremely positive public response, South Wales Police is extending its firearms surrender campaign.

During the month of February, the force supported a national month-long campaign to encourage the public to surrender firearms to the police to prevent them falling into the wrong hands.

In total, 160 items were surrendered in south Wales for safe destruction during the period.

Among that total were 32 top-venting blank firer guns, which recently became illegal following a change in legislation, and six other illegal firearms.

Twenty-five licensed firearms were also surrendered alongside other firearms such as air weapons and BB guns.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Williams, gun crime lead for South Wales Police, thanked the local communities for supporting the campaign.

"The response from the public to our In The Wrong Hands surrender period was extremely encouraging, so much so that we would like to extend the period to keep raising that awareness.

"Fortunately, gun crime rates in south Wales remain extremely low, but a recent tragic murder in one of our own communities demonstrates just how devastating the consequences can be if firearms fall into the possession of the wrong people.

"As well as traditional firearms such as shotguns and pistols, an imitation firearm, such as a BB gun or an air weapon, can be used to cause injury or perpetrate serious offences.

"We cannot be complacent, and just one incident involving a firearm is one too many, and so I implore the local community to keep working with us to keep our communities safe from gun crime."

While surrender periods are an opportunity to raise awareness of firearms legislation and the part we can all play in keeping our communities safe, members of the public do not have to wait for a surrender campaign in order to hand a weapon in.

During the extended surrender period, which runs until the end of April, firearms, ammunition and accessories, can be taken to the following stations for safe disposal:

• Swansea Central
• Neath
• Cardiff Bay
• Cardiff Central
• Barry
• Bridgend
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Pontypridd

Your questions answered

Can I only surrender a weapon during April?

No. Any weapon can be taken to a police station at any time. The purpose of these surrender periods is to shine a spotlight on the dangers of gun crime and to highlight the correct methods of disposal.

Do I just turn up carrying a gun? What if I’m stopped en route?

Anyone stopped on their way to a police station while carrying a gun for surrender, should inform the officer that they have a gun in their possession and explain that they are surrendering it. Officers will be aware of the surrender period and the person would be able to surrender the firearm to that officer.

I have a firearm to surrender, but I don’t want to or can’t transport to a station. What should I do?

Anyone wishing to surrender but who is unable to get to a police station or is worried about transporting a firearm or ammunition, should contact our control room for further advice. Information on how to contact us.

Is it only guns that can be handed in during the surrender period?

No. While the surrender period is focussed on gun crime, we would encourage anyone who has a firearm or a potential weapon (eg kitchen knives they no longer need) to bring them in to one of the highlighted stations for safe disposal.

If I bring in a firearm, am I protected from any repercussions if that weapon has been involved in a crime?

Anyone surrendering a firearm or any other weapon will be granted immunity for the possession of the weapon at the point of surrender. Station enquiry officers will ask questions in order to complete the firearm surrender form, however there is no obligation to answer the questions and the individual surrendering can choose to hand it in anonymously.

However, South Wales Police does have an obligation to investigate the history of the firearm to identify whether it is linked to crime and to bring those involved to justice.