Gun amnesty

Owners of illegal firearms in Cheshire are being given the opportunity to surrender their weapons.

Between Saturday 20 July and Sunday 4 August all guns and ammunition can be handed over anonymously at police stations throughout the county. Anyone who chooses to surrender their gun will not face prosecution for being in possession of the weapon, which can normally lead to a five year prison sentence. However, an investigation will be launched by police if a weapon handed in during the fortnightly campaign is found to have been used in a crime.

Officers are also encouraging the public to hand in airsoft weapons or BB guns. 

Throughout the two week surrender the public will be able to hand firearms and ammunition at any of the following helpdesks. The weapons must be carefully wrapped and packaged before being taken into Macclesfield Police Station on Brunswick Street. The station is open 8am – 8pm Monday to Saturday

The firearms will then be deactivated and safely destroyed. 

Inspector David Price said: “Although crimes involving illegal guns remains low in Cheshire we know there will still be people out there who will be in possession of them. In the majority of cases we tend to find either those with guns have long-forgotten they have one hidden away in lofts and sheds, while others don’t realise the firearm they have need to be legally registered by police.”

“I would also encourage people to hand in imitation firearms or air weapons which can look just as real to victims of crime and can be used to intimidate and instil fear. It isn’t unusual for the public to hand in firearms throughout the year, however the next two weeks is an opportunity to remind people who may have an unwanted weapon that they can remove them anonymously without being prosecuted. It goes without saying that if you hand in an illegal or imitation firearm then you will be ensuring they don’t get into the hands of criminals, making your community a safer place.”

Those handing them in are advised to check opening times beforehand by visiting https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/police-stations-and-custody-suites-in-cheshire/

Anyone concerned about illegal guns are urged to contact Cheshire Police by calling 101, emailing https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.