Hand in blank-firing guns safely during firearms amnesty

We are joining police forces across the country to urge the owners of five types of blank-firing guns to hand them in at station front counters in a month-long amnesty.

The national amnesty, running from Monday 2 to 27 February, applies to five specific types of Turkish manufactured top-venting blank firearms (TVBF).

Anyone found in possession of these types of TVBF after the amnesty could face prosecution.

The models are:

Anyone handing in a firearm is advised to only visit the dedicated police stations listed. They cannot be handed in at Staffordshire Police headquarters in Stafford.

They must be transported to the police station in the safest possible way that does not cause alarm to others.

All three station will be open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Sixty-six Turkish top-venting blank firers, 20 other firearms and ammunition were handed into our police stations during the four-week amnesty last year.

Superintendent Mat Derrick, head of operations, said: “This will remove potential future firearms from circulation, whilst allowing those who legally purchased them to hand them in without prosecution for a limited time.

“We are fully committed to robustly investigating anything believed to be linked to major and organised crime.

“This amnesty does not affect the firearms held by licenced firearms holders.”

During the amnesty period, those surrendering one of the five TVBF models will not face prosecution for the illegal possession, and they can remain anonymous.

TVBFs are legal to buy in the UK without a licence by over-18s unless they are readily convertible.

In their original state they have a blocked barrel and are designed to discharge only blank cartridges. When discharged, combustion gases vent from the top of the weapon.