Dozens of weapons seized in West Midlands gun blitz
A pump action Beretta shotgun is amongst 54 guns in the Black Country surrendered to West Midlands Police during a two-week firearms amnesty.
The highest number of guns, including pistols, shotguns and rifles were handed in to police in Dudley, where 28 people handed in 26 guns and 14 sets of ammunition, including at least 248 rounds.
Police in Wolverhampton took possession of two shotguns, two pistols and an air pistol.
Officers showed off part of the haul today:
In Walsall 12 pistols, an air pistol, two shotguns, an air rifle, rifle and three lots of ammunition, including at least 12 rounds were handed in.
And in Sandwell three air rifles, an air pistol and a pistol were given to police.
See also: Second World War pistols and 1,000 rounds of ammunition handed in to police
Firearms included the pump action Beretta shotgun, which was surrendered in Wolverhampton, two Webley and Scott revolvers, a .45 revolver and a Smith and Weston.38, which were handed in at Dudley and and automatic self-loading pistol, which was surrendered in Walsall.
The two-week surrender window – which closed at midnight on Saturday gave people a chance to hand over firearms without being prosecuted for gun possession.
It was timed to coincide with a law change tightening controls on gun ownership and imposing tougher penalties.
Last month, West Midlands Police released this footage of guns held in the surrender
In total, 131 firearms were seized at police stations across the region, including pistols, rifles, sawn-off shotguns, BB guns, imitations and antiques, whilst more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition were also seized.
Service weapons were also among those handed in, including Enfield revolvers, a 1915 German Luger, a Smith & Wesson and a Japanese type 26 revolver.
Detective Inspector Andy Bannister led the gun surrender initiative. He said: "It's been a huge success, that's 131 fewer firearms that could end up in the hands of criminals.
"Some of the weapons seized are, I suspect, from exactly the kinds of people we wanted to reach out to, people who under the new legislation are risking life behind bars by 'looking after' guns for friends, relatives or partners through some misguided loyalty.
"Every gun taken off the streets is potentially a life saved."
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From July 14, anyone found storing a gun for someone else – even if they have no intention of using it themselves – now runs the risk of a life prison sentence.
The legislation update also clamps down on antique firearms amid fears obsolete weapons are being made viable by criminals with ballistics know-how.
Anyone given a prison sentence, including suspended sentences, of three months or more is now banned from possessing antique firearms which could previously be held as a "curiosity or ornament" with a relevant certificate.
In addition to the service weapons antique guns were also handed in during the surrender, including century-old shotguns and a black powder rifle dated 1853 – with several guns collected by officers from the homes of elderly residents.
One Coventry man in his 90s contacted to police to dispose of a double-barrelled shotgun stored in his loft for decades.
Det Insp Bannister, added: "The problem of antique weapons being used in crime is an emerging threat we're addressing. The law has been changed to make communities safer and we welcome the tighter controls, the change in legislation closes any loopholes that may be exploited by criminals."
Guns could be surrendered anonymously but the history of any live weapons handed in will be checked for any evidence of criminal use; the firearms will either be destroyed at the West Midlands Police armoury or retained for training exercises
See also: Sandwell hospital trust sees most knife and gun victims
The number of fatal shootings in the West Midlands has fallen, with 17 fatal shootings in the five years between 2004 and 2009, falling to nine between 2009 and 2014.
A letter sent to West Midlands Police by Policing Minister Mike Penning MP, praising the force's gun surrender, read: "The reduction in firearms discharges and fatalities in the West Midlands in recent years is an impressive achievement, and testament to the hard work and dedication of your officers over that time."
Four guns were passed over to police on Saturday, the final day of the surrender, with two air pistols taken to Digbeth police station at around 3pm being the last
If you suspect anyone to be involved in illegal firearms call West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
