Greater Manchester Police Gun Amnesty sees 115 Weapons Handed In
Greater Manchester Police are hailing their latest gun amnesty a success following the large number of weapons handed in.
The two week campaign across Greater Manchester which commenced on Monday April 4, aims to take deadly weapons off the streets and save lives. Other police forces across England and Wales are similarly holding weapon amnesties.
Anyone surrendering a firearm over the period will not face prosecution for illegal possession and can remain anonymous. Weapons and ammunition can be surrendered at the front desk of any police station across the North West but anyone handing in a firearm, ammunition or any other weapon during the surrender is advised to check the opening times of their station in advance by calling 101 or visiting the GMP website.
The amnesty ends on April 18.
Firearm Allegations
A total of 68 guns were handed over to Greater Manchester Police in the first four days of the amnesty. In an update this week, police have revealed the haul includes seven shotguns, 16 rifles, 87 handguns, air pistols, and BB guns and 15 separate amounts of ammunition which have been handed in mid way through the amnesty. The haul also includes a replica AK47 firearm, which was surrendered to police in Tameside last week.
Increase in Gun Activity
The amnesty comes following an increase in the last few months of the number of firearm related incidents and firearm discharges.
Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare hailed an ‘extremely successful’ first week but went on to comment:
“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.”
During the last amnesty in 2014, 225 weapons and more than 3,500 rounds of ammunition were given up to GMP.
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