200 weapons handed in during police gun and knife amnesty

GUNS, knives and ammunition have been handed in to South Yorkshire Police as part of a weapons amnesty.

Det Supt Una Jennings (pictured), who led the two-week scheme, thanked the public for their help in ensuring more than 200 weapons, including 17 shotguns and 11 handguns, were no longer on the streets, as well as 600 rounds of ammunition.

 

She said: “The types of weapons that have been handed in range from revolvers, shotguns, knives and air rifles, to more obscure items including a spear gun, walking stick-derived sword and knuckle dusters.

“The success of this surrender is testament to our communities however, and their commitment to protect their friends, families and loved ones and their want to make South Yorkshire a safer place.

“I personally want to thank everyone who has taken the time to hand these weapons and ammunition in, as they are now safely in police possession and unable to fall into the wrongs and into potential criminal circulation.”

Forensic investigators will now examine the weapons and Det Supt Jennings said should any be found to have been used in previous criminality, an investigation would be launched with the potential for prosecutions.

She added: “I am really pleased with the weapons handed in, and I do believe the surrender gave people an opportunity to safely dispose of them without fear of prosecution for possession at the point of surrender.

“This in turn results in one less weapon that can become available on the streets, and is one less potential victim of crime. 

“To remove more than 200 weapons that could have been used for criminal gain is a tremendous effort, and I again want to thank everybody involved.

“Those who choose to arm themselves and commit crime are responsible for damaging our communities and are a blight on society.

“I want to make it very clear that the use of firearms and knives in South Yorkshire will not be tolerated.”