Humberside Police holds weapons amnesty for illegal blank-firing guns
Humberside Police is holding a four-week Firearms Amnesty for five types of BRUNI-manufactured side/ top-venting blank firers (TVBFs) which are now illegal to possess following testing by the National Crime Agency.
The amnesty is running until Friday, February 27, after which anyone in possession of one the specified TVBFs could be subject to prosecution and face up to 10 years imprisonment.
Side/top-venting blank firers are legal to buy in the UK without a licence by over 18s unless they are readily convertible.
Tests have shown that the following BRUNI models are readily convertible and are therefore illegal: • 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
People can hand the weapons in at the Clough Road Police Station (Hull, HU5 1SW).
Chief Inspector Gary Wilson, from the force’s Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Although gun crime remains extremely rare across the Humberside area and we are not seeing an increase; we are taking part in this national amnesty to remain proactive in preventing such offences.
“Simply possessing a firearm like these, whether it is used or not, is illegal and will not be tolerated.
“Unwanted or unlicensed firearms and ammunition can be surrendered at any time, helping to prevent them from falling into criminal hands and allowing members of the community to dispose of them safely.
“When attending one of our police stations to surrender a firearm, please place the item in a bag or box to keep it out of public view. Avoid using public transport, make the journey specifically for this purpose without unnecessary stops, and inform staff on arrival why you are there.”