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 after tests showed they are illegal.

The amnesty will be held from 3 February 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.

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. 

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 visited the dedicated police stations listed. They cannot be handed in at Staffordshire Police Headquarters in Stafford. 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. 

•            Burton Police Station, Horninglow Street, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 1PA

•            Cannock Police Station, Wolverhampton Road, Cannock, WS11 1AW

•            Longton Police Station, Sutherland Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1HH 

             All three station will be open between 9am and 5pm, Monday – Friday.

Superintendent Mat Derrick, head of operations, 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 Staffordshire, by supporting and recognising the importance of this campaign will further help keep our communities safe by removing them from circulation and reducing the possibility of them being used inappropriately.”

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