More than 100 firearms, including 26 in the Crewe LPU, were handed in to Cheshire Police as part of a two-week surrender.
Residents across the county took part in the national initiative, which gave them a chance to safely dispose of firearms or ammunition, whether held lawfully or unlawfully, without the risk of prosecution.
In total, 104 were handed in, including 26 in Crewe, which covers Nantwich and surrounding villages.
That was the second highest of the force’s divisions, behind Macclesfield where 29 were handed over.
Insp David Price said: “I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who had the confidence to come forward and surrender items during this campaign.
“Thanks to their support we can ensure that these weapons never get into the wrong hands.
“I would like to reassure local residents that while some people may be concerned by the number of firearms we received, the majority were air rifles which were no longer used.
“We also received a number of unwanted licenced firearms, BB Guns along with antique weapons which has been passed down through generations.”
Ammunition was also handed over during the two-week period, which ran from 13-26 November.
All the weapons will be examined to ensure they have not been used in any criminal offences, before being deactivated and destroyed.
Insp Price added: “Although gun crime in Cheshire is low, we must never forget firearms are extremely dangerous, and can be deadly if they get into the wrong hands.
“This surrender was just one of a number of measures that we are taking to help to keep it low and reduce it even further.
“Whilst this surrender has now ended, I would urge anyone who still holds an unwanted or illegally held firearm to contact us on 101 so that we can arrange for it to be collected and destroyed.”
Further details surrounding the law on guns can be found on the Cheshire Police website.
Anyone concerned about illegal weapons in their community is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101.
Alternatively information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(Pictured: Acting Chief Constable Janette McCormick with firearms surrendered during campaign)
Recent Comments