Police in Cumbria are to hold weapon amnesties across the county.
Cumbria continues to see a lower number of weapon offences than other areas of the country, but the force says it is “not complacent about the risk that these weapons pose” and “continues to act proactively against those in possession of weapons”.
The force is holding two surrenders in May:
Firearms surrender May 12-29
The public will be able to hand in unlawfully held or unwanted firearms, ammunition or other weapons. Many are held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or are overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes. Some are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to harm, threaten and intimidate their local communities.
The surrender gives a chance to dispose of firearms or ammunition safely by taking it to a police station and handing it in.
Members of the public can also surrender items that have the potential to be converted such as antique guns, blank-firing replicas and imitations.
Illegal possession of a firearm can mean five years behind bars and if you are found guilty of possession with intent to supply that can lead to a life sentence.
The surrender is being coordinated by the National Ballistic Intelligence Service (NABIS) which offers forensic, tactical and strategic intelligence to tackle all aspects of firearms-related crime.
Firearms legislation is regularly updated, for example in March 2021 Antique Firearms Regulations came into effect and provide a statutory definition of ‘antique firearm’. Some things that were classed as antiques now require a firearm or shotgun certificate.
You can find more about firearm regulations here Firearms – Useful Links – Cumbria Constabulary. If you have a specific enquiry relating to firearms licensing, visit: https://www.cumbria.police.uk/apply-for-it/firearms
Knife surrender May 16-22
The force will be supporting the national operation Sceptre which is an initiative to tackle knife crime and stop potentially dangerous blades falling into the wrong hands.
There are many risks when you carry a knife, not only do you put yourself at risk of serious injury, or death, you could also face a £5,000 fine and four years in jail – even if you don’t use it.
During the surrender periods, those handing over weapons will not face prosecution for the illegal possession, at the point of surrender, and can remain anonymous.
This surrender does not mean that the police will not subsequently investigate firearms offences.
Chief Inspector Gill Cherry said: “Every weapon that is handed into police is one less in circulation that could fall into the wrong hands. The potentially disastrous consequences of these weapons underline the need for those who do not want them to hand them in.
“Our previous operations have been successful in removing weapons from our county, we ran Operation Sceptre in November 2021 which resulted in 153 bladed articles being handed in.
“We last ran firearms surrender in 2019 in which 112 items were handed in.
“As well as these surrenders, we work all year round to remove any weapons from our county.
“We also look to educate retailers on the sale of knives and work in schools to educate children on the consequences of weapons.
“I would urge people to take this opportunity to hand in any weapons, it may be an old kitchen knife or a firearm that has been sat in your loft. Any weapon in the wrong hands can have a devastating impact. It is no exaggeration to say that each one we retrieve has the potential to save a life.
“If you or a family member possess an illegal or unwanted weapon, please hand it into the police. It might just be the best decision you ever make. Surrendering these weapons will make us all safer.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall said: “Being in possession of a weapon means that it is more likely to be used – it is not worth the risk.
“No one wants to be involved in an incident involving a knife or a firearm as it can have a serious effect on people’s lives and, in the worst-case scenario, could be fatal.
“I would urge anyone who has a potentially dangerous weapon in their home to surrender it to your local police station.
“Let’s work together to make Cumbria an even safer place to live.”
Anyone wishing to hand in weapons should put them in a box or strong bag and put ammunition in a separate box or bag. Never attempt to take an uncovered weapon out in public. Members of the public are also advised to go directly to a designated station when handing in a weapon.
Authorised firearms officers will be available to collect firearms from those who are unable to attend a police station. For further details in arranging the collection of your firearm or ammunition contact police by report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, via our live chat or speak to an office on 101.
The stations where you can hand your weapons in are:
| North • Carlisle • HQ Penrith* | South • Barrow • Kendal | West • Whitehaven • Workington |
*Firearms only between 9am and 1pm
To check on opening times visit: Cumbria Police Stations – Cumbria Constabulary
If you are worried about someone who is in possession of a weapon or need advice, contact police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
