Police extend 'encouraging' firearms surrender

South Wales Police is extending a firearms surrender campaign following an "extremely positive" response from the public.

160 items were handed in at police stations across the region during the month-long UK-wide amnesty in February.

They included 32 top-venting blank firing guns - which were recently made illegal - along with six other illegal firearms.

25 licensed firearms were also surrendered along with other items such as air weapons and BB guns, which have since been safely destroyed.

The force said the campaign was so successful, that it was extending the 'In the Wrong Hands' surrender until the end of April.

Locally, firearms, ammunition and accessories can be handed in at Barry, Cardiff Central, Cardiff Bay and Bridgend police stations for safe disposal.

DCI Chris Williams, gun crime lead for South Wales Police, said: "The response from the public to our In The Wrong Hands surrender period was extremely encouraging, so much so that we would like to extend the period to keep raising that awareness."

"Fortunately, gun crime rates in south Wales remain extremely low, but a recent tragic murder in one of our own communities demonstrates just how devastating the consequences can be if firearms fall into the possession of the wrong people."

"As well as traditional firearms such as shotguns and pistols, an imitation firearm, such as a BB gun or an air weapon, can be used to cause injury or perpetrate serious offences."

"We cannot be complacent, and just one incident involving a firearm is one too many, and so I implore the local community to keep working with us to keep our communities safe from gun crime."

Although the surrender campaigning continues until the end of the month, weapons can be handed into police stations at any time.

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