In the wrong hands: South Wales Police supports national firearms surrender

Firearms – whether legally or illegally held – can be lethal in the wrong hands.

That’s why we’re supporting a national surrender month throughout February, during which the public is urged to hand over any weapons or ammunition at a local police station.

Detective Inspector Chris Williams, gun crime lead at South Wales Police, said:

"A firearms surrender provides the public with the opportunity to safely surrender illegal or unwanted firearms, a number of which may be held by people with a lack of awareness of their illegality.

"For example, there was a change to legislation relating to ‘blank firing guns’ towards the end of 2024, which now makes certain models illegal to possess, and some people may not realise that.

"As part of the surrender period, members of the public will be able to take firearms into one of eight designated police stations across south Wales and hand them in at the front counter.

"Our communities should be reassured that gun crime rates in south Wales remain extremely low, and we want to keep it this way.

"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. So, every firearm given up really is one less that can fall into the hands of a criminal."

While firearms and other weapons can be handed in to police at any time, surrender months such as this aim to raise awareness of gun crime and also the part the public can play in helping to keep South Wales safe.

During the last surrender month, eighty-three items were handed in to police stations in south Wales, 53 of which were firearms.

Among those who surrendered items were a school and a scout group.

DI Williams added:

"The results of the last surrender period were extremely positive.

"Often there can be a lack of awareness about the legality of different weapons, or a lack of understanding about how best to dispose of them. The school who surrendered last time, for example, had confiscated an air weapon and had it stored securely as they weren’t sure of the correct method of disposal.  

"The fact so many people came forward demonstrated the value in running such surrenders. I hope to see a similar response this time around, as every single weapon surrendered is one fewer that could potentially fall into the wrong hands."

The firearms surrender will run from February 3 to 28. During this period, firearms, ammunition and accessories can be taken to the following stations:

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

Your questions answered

Can I only surrender a weapon during February?

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.