Bedfordshire Police support national firearms amnesty

Alongside all other forces in England and Wales, Bedfordshire Police is holding a month-long national amnesty for owners of four types of top-venting blank firearms (TVBF) to be surrendered after tests showed they are illegal.

The amnesty will be held from this week to 28 February for owners to hand in the firearms at police stations. It is being coordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

During that period, those surrendering top venting blank firers will not face prosecution for the illegal possession and they can remain anonymous.

The four brands – which overwhelmingly account for the number of top-venting blank firearms in UK circulation – are the Turkish models: Retay, Ekol, Ceonic ISSC and Blow. Possession of one of the firearms after the amnesty ends may result in criminal prosecution.

They have been shown to be illegal under section 1(6) of the Firearms Act 1982, meaning they are prohibited firearms under section 5(1) of the Firearms Act 1968.

Importers and retailers have been informed and instructed to cease trading them. Border Force will seize further importations of the four brands.

Anyone handing in a firearm is advised to only visit the dedicated police stations listed.

They must be transported to the police station in the safest possible way that does not cause alarm to others. If you would like further information or are unable to travel, please call 101.

The weapons should be taken to Bedfordshire Police Headquarters in Kempston, or Dunstable Police Station.
Detective Chief Inspector Aaron Kiff said, said: “I would ask and encourage anyone in possession of one of the four types of top-venting blank firearms to safely surrender it at one of our designated police stations.

“Firearm offences remain low in Bedfordshire, but we know organised criminals operate in the area, so we recognise the importance of this campaign to further help keep our communities safe and remove them from circulation.”

If you are aware of people involved in illegal firearms please call police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.