More than 1,300 firearms handed in during national amnesty

More than 1,300 potentially lethal firearms have been prevented from falling into the wrong hands, thanks to the public’s support for a national amnesty.

A surrender period for five specific models of top or side-venting blank firers (TVBFs) manufactured by Italian company, Bruni, was held throughout February, after tests by the National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed the seemingly harmless weapons could be readily converted in to functioning firearms, making them illegal to possess.

During the four weeks, a total of 1,374 readily convertible Bruni TVBFs were handed in to forces across England and Wales, including some 280 which were handed in by retailers or theatre companies who used them as props.

Of the Bruni models surrendered, six had been partially converted and 18 had been modified, for example painted black to resemble a real firearm.

In addition to the Bruni models surrendered, 918 other items and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition were handed in. Among the 900+ other items were 31 Turkish TVBFs which were classified as illegal to own last year.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for the Criminal Use of Firearms, said:

“We are extremely grateful to the public for getting behind this amnesty and taking the opportunity to safely surrender weapons which could potentially prove lethal.

“We know that the vast majority of the TVBFs that were handed in had been purchased for legitimate purposes and with no criminal intent, but it was vital that once we became aware that they were readily-convertible, we made a determined effort to remove them from circulation.

“The results speak for themselves, and we are pleased that there are now more than 1,300 fewer weapons which have the potential to fall into the hands of criminals.”

Kate Appleby, NCA Deputy Director, added:

“The amnesty results are excellent and a brilliant example of the public and the firearms trade coming together to help reduce the risk of criminals obtaining these weapons and using them.

“Though firearms crime in the UK is among the lowest in the world, the NCA, policing and Border Force will continue to do everything possible to suppress the firearms threat and to protect the UK public.”

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said:

 “With more than 1,300 potentially lethal weapons removed from circulation, our streets are safer today.

“I am delighted that these weapons have been taken out of circulation, thanks to our close work with the NCA and police. By taking them off our streets, they will never fall into criminal hands, where they could have been converted into lethal weapons.

“This operation shows how decisive action, backed by strong public cooperation, can make our streets safer and stop dangerous weapons being used to cause harm.”

Following the amnesty period, anyone now found in possession of any of the following models faces prosecution and up to 10 years’ imprisonment:

• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol
• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol
• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol
• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ blank firing self-loading pistol
• .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single-action blank firing revolver

Unwanted or unlicensed firearms and ammunition may be surrendered to police at any time, avoiding the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and ensuring safe disposal.

Anyone with information about illegal firearms activity should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Every call to Crimestoppers is 100% anonymous and could save a life.