Alongside all other forces in England and Wales, we are holding a month-long national amnesty for owners of four types of top-venting blank firearms to be surrendered.  

The amnesty will be held from 3rd February to 28th February for owners to hand in the firearms at selected 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.

Possession of one of the firearms after the amnesty ends may result in criminal prosecution.

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. 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.

Owners of these firearms are being advised to hand them in at the following Police Stations from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm:

Longton

Cannock

Burton

Those surrendering must ensure that:

It is securely wrapped and sealed in a bag or box

Not carried openly

Not removed from packaging until instructed to do so

Front counter staff have been provided with information regarding the correct procedures when receiving these firearms.

Thanks 

Gareth