Police advise Cheshire residents on change of gun laws

Cheshire residents should be aware that rules for buying and supplying firearms, including antiques, have been tightened.

The legislation provides that:

· Anyone with a suspended sentence of three months or more will not be able to purchase or possess a firearm or ammunition for a period of five years. However, a person who received a suspended sentence before 14 July and already has a firearm certificate would be able to retain their firearm and ammunition for the duration of their certificate.

· Section 108 amends the Firearms Act 1998 to make it an offence to possess for sale or transfer prohibited weapons or ammunition with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

· Antique firearms – a person who has served or received a criminal sentence will not be able to possess an antique firearm. The prohibition applies to anyone who has served a custodial sentence of more than three years or has served a custodial sentence or received a suspended sentence, of between three months and three years. A person to whom this applies and who currently lawfully possesses an antique firearm will need to dispose of it.

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson, ACPO lead for the Criminal Use of Firearms, said: “The problem of antique weapons being used in crime is an emerging threat we need to address. The law has been changed to make communities safer and we welcome the tighter controls.

The change in legislation closes any loopholes which may be exploited by criminals.”

Anyone who finds themselves in illegal possession of a firearm can hand it in to their local police station for disposal. If you can′t go in person, or are worried about handling the gun, contact your local NPU (neighbourhood policing unit) to make arrangements to hand it in. For further details on firearms licensing, visit www.gov.uk/firearms-licensing-police-guidance.