Six guns handed in to Redditch police as firearms amnesty continues - The Redditch Standard

Six guns handed in to Redditch police as firearms amnesty continues

Redditch Editorial 29th Jul, 2019   0

SIX guns have already been handed in at Redditch police station as part of a nationwide firearms surrender campaign.

The initiative, which runs right across the West Mercia area, comes to an end this Sunday, August 4.

Superintendent Mel Crowther said: “Compared with other areas of the country we don’t have a major gun problem, but we are keen to support this national campaign to help keep our communities safe.

“The whole aim is to remove any firearms that could potentially be used in a crime from public circulation. The majority of the firearms handed in 2017 during the last surrender were older items that the owner no longer needed and wanted to safely dispose of.




“People may have older or historical weapons stored in lofts or garages which have been inherited or passed down through the family, and these can also be disposed of during the surrender.

“While these are not being used for criminal activities, they can and sometimes do, fall into the wrong hands and can then be used to commit crimes.


“By participating in the surrender, people can be confident that items have been safely disposed of.

“The surrender ends on Sunday, and I would encourage as many people as possible to take this opportunity to hand in any unregistered firearms or firearms they no longer require during this time.”

Only last week the Redditch Standard told how a criminal gang had been jailed for more than 47 years after a court heard they would break into houses, steal shotguns and then sell them on.

In all, 37 guns have been handed in to West Mercia police stations – 13 at Kidderminster, eight at Shrewsbury, six in Redditch, four in Malinsgate, and three each in Worcester and Hereford.

To report any concerns about people with firearms, call the 101 non-emergency number or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

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