Lancashire Police has removed four blank-firing guns from circulation as part of a national firearms amnesty. The weapons were surrendered after the National Crime Agency (NCA) determined that certain models of top-venting blank firing (TVBF) guns are readily convertible into lethal firearms and are therefore illegal.
The force joined other police units in a four-week amnesty focused on Turkish-manufactured models BLOW, CEONIC, EKOL, and RETAY. During the campaign, four of these models were handed in at police stations across Lancashire, alongside one TVBF of a different make and 11 other items, including pistols, shotguns, BB guns, and revolvers. In total, members of the public also surrendered 113 rounds of ammunition.
The amnesty ended on 28 February, and authorities have warned that anyone still in possession of an illegal TVBF could face prosecution and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Chief inspector of specialist operations firearm licensing, Jon Penson, said:
“We are fortunate that gun crime in Lancashire remains low and with the help of the public we have made our communities safer through the removal of these weapons.
“We remain committed to robustly protecting the public and acting on any intelligence. Communities hold the key to helping reduce firearm-related crime. Information from witnesses and local communities is vital if we are to obtain the evidence we need to arrest and prosecute offenders. If you know of anyone involved in illegal firearms activity you should call the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The crackdown on TVBF firearms follows growing concerns over their misuse. The surrender of these weapons through the amnesty provides a safe route for owners to comply with the law, avoiding potential legal consequences.
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