Yahoo News Rocket launcher and machine gun handed into police during firearms surrender
A rocket launcher and machine gun were some of the firearms handed into police during a two-week amnesty.
The Firearms and Ammunition Surrender, which ran nationwide from 20 July to 4 August, urged members of the public to give any unwanted or illegal weapons so they could be disposed of safely.
In Hampshire, more than 70 firearms were handed in to police - including 31 handguns, 12 shotguns, 24 rifles, two starting cannons (guns used at the beginning of races), along with 23 quantities of ammunition.
Police forces across the country took part in the campaign run by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS).
During the two-week operation, those surrendering firearms did not face prosecution for illegal possession upon surrender and could remain anonymous.
Chief Inspector Karen McManus, tactical firearms lead for Hampshire and Thames Valley, said: “We would like to thank everyone who handed in any firearms or ammunition as part of this surrender.
“This means that there are 80 fewer firearms and imitation firearms on our streets which could have easily fallen into the hands of criminals.
“As a result our neighbourhoods are much safer, both for our residents and for our officers who work every day and night to protect them.
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“We are very pleased that so many people took the opportunity to take part in this initiative and the number of firearms recovered certainly proves how valuable such a surrender is.
“Gun crime is low in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and has not seen a rise other force areas have, however we cannot be complacent and we will continue to do all we can to make our communities safer.”
Call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency if a firearm is found as the surrender has now finished.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
