Cleveland Police warning of blank-firing guns imitating lethal firearms
The force is raising awareness as part of a month-long amnesty
We're hearing criminals in Teesside could be using blank-firing guns painted black to imitate lethal firearms.
It's thought these weapons can also be easily converted using household tools to dispense lethal cartridges.
Cleveland Police is supporting a month-long amnesty and are encouraging people to hand them in without facing prosecution.
The aim of the initiative is to remove Bruni Top-Venting Blank-Firing (TVBF) firearms from the streets to prevent them from being used in criminal circles.
Firearms legislation has not changed, these weapons are illegal to own under the Firearms Act 1968.
Firearms can be handed to the four main Cleveland Police helpdesks across the county, which are all open Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm. Please contact 101 prior to visiting the station to be provided with the correct advice on how to package the weapon.
- Hartlepool Police Station, Avenue Road, Hartlepool TS24 8AJ
- Middlesbrough Police Station, Bridge Street West, Middlesbrough, TS2 1AB
- Redcar and Cleveland Police Station, Troisdorf Way, Redcar, TS10 5AP
- Stockton Police Station, Thistle Green, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1TZ
Detective Chief Inspector David Glass, who is leading the firearms amnesty operation in Teesside, said: "I want to reassure the public that both locally and nationally, Firearms offences remain low but we are keen to prevent dangerous weapons reaching the hands of criminals.
"Given the change in legislation, it is important that we reduce opportunities to convert Bruni and similar weapons into potentially lethal guns and keep our communities safe from harm.
"Cleveland Police maintain a strong focus on preventing the criminal use of Firearms and I encourage members of the public to continue in reporting concerns to ourselves or via Crimestoppers anonymously.
"I encourage members of the public who may be in possession of Bruni Top Venting Blank Firing Guns to hand them in at their local Police Station throughout February without fear of prosecution.
"This is due to recent changes to the law which could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years for anyone found in possession of such weapons outside of the amnesty who does not hold a licence.
"Wider than this, I’m also keen to prevent criminals taking possession of all potentially dangerous weapons for use within offences and so please hand in any items that could cause serious harm to others.
"I’d also encourage the public to continue in reporting concerns to ourselves or via Crimestoppers anonymously with a view to keeping our communities safe.
“Being part of this national campaign enables members of the public to surrender top-venting blank firers manufactured by Bruni and helping to prevent them falling into the wrong hands and being used by criminals.
“Many TVBFs may be held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or may be overlooked or forgotten in their homes. The amnesty gives people the chance to dispose of the TVBFs safely by taking them to a local helpdesk and handing them in.
“I encourage anyone in possession of one to get in touch and visit their local police station. I would also like to reiterate, that anyone who does choose to hand in a TVBF during the amnesty period, will not face prosecution. You can also choose to do this anonymously, so there is no excuse for not disposing of this kind of firearm.
“The danger that comes with a firearm should go without saying, so please take this opportunity to protect your community by removing them from circulation and safely handing them into a police station.”