Blank firing guns handed in as amnesty continues in Derbyshire
The Turkish-manufactured guns are thought to be easily convertible
Last updated 22nd Feb 2025
Thirteen blank firearms have been handed in so far as part of an ongoing amnesty in Derbyshire.
Across England and Wales, more than 1,000 of the Turkish manufactured guns, which will soon be outlawed due to tests showing them as readily convertible, have been handed in.
The top-venting blank firing (TVBF) guns have become popular with organised criminals in recent years due to the ease at which they are readily convertible into lethal firearms.
The guns can be handed in at police station enquiry desks until 28 February, after this anyone in possession of a TVBF could be subject to prosecution and up to ten years imprisonment.
Police enquiry desks at Peartree, St Mary's Wharf, Chesterfield and Buxton police stations are among those accepting them.
Tests by the National Crime Agency and policing, funded by the Home Office, show models produced by four Turkish manufacturers are readily convertible and therefore illegal. TVBFs are legal to buy in the UK without a licence by over 18s unless they are readily convertible.