PEOPLE in Somerset are being urged to hand in any unwanted guns during a firearms and ammunition surrender starting today (Thursday, May 12).

The amnesty, co-ordinated nationally by the National Police Chiefs Council and The National Ballistics Intelligence Service, gives people the chance to dispose of firearms or ammunition in a safe place and runs until Sunday, May 29.

During the initiative, anyone handing in firearms will not face prosecution for the illegal possession upon surrender and can remain anonymous.

Police say many firearms are held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality, or are overlooked and forgotten in people's homes.

Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks.

Surrendering unwanted, unlicensed weapons stops the risk of them falling into the wrong hands and being used to commit criminal offences.

Firearms can be surrendered at any police station in Avon and Somerset, but police are encouraging people to visit the following designated stations:

  • Patchway Police Centre: open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday;
  • Bridgwater Police Centre: open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday;
  • Yeovil: open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday;
  • Trinity Road: open 10am-6pm Monday to Friday.

If someone is unable to travel to a police station, they should contact police on 101 to arrange for the firearm to be collected.

Supt Olly Cosgrove said: “While the number of incidents involving firearms remains low in our area, we need to stay focussed on the fight against gun crime.

“We use various tactics to locate weapons which have fallen into the wrong hands – but we need the public’s help.

“This surrender period allows people to hand in unwanted or illegal firearms or ammunition to the police.

"It stops these weapons falling into the hands of criminals and being used to cause harm in our communities.

“If you know where a weapon is being kept illegally, now is your chance to give up the gun, or tell us anonymously where it is.

"You will not be prosecuted and you could save a life.”

If you know of people involved in illegal firearms you can call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers do not ask for your name or trace your call.