Shotguns, pistols, imitation firearms, BB guns, and air weapons are among the firearms that South Wales Police (SWP) is seeking people to surrender during a month-long drive.
The public is being urged to take illegal or unwanted firearms and ammunition into eight designated police stations during Firearms Surrender Month being held between 3rd-28th February and turn them in at the front counter without the fear of being prosecuted for unlawful possession.
Whether held legally or illegally, SWP says that firearms can be lethal in the wrong hands.
While firearms and other weapons can be handed in to police at any time, SWP is supporting the national firearms surrender month aimed at raising awareness of gun crime and the part the public can play in helping to keep South Wales safe.
During the last surrender month, eighty-three items were handed in to South Wales Police stations, 53 of which were firearms.
The eight designated police stations where firearms can be handed into are:
- Barry
- Bridgend
- Cardiff Bay
- Cardiff Central
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Neath
- Pontypridd
Detective Inspector Chris Williams, gun crime lead at South Wales Police, said: “A firearms surrender provides the public with the opportunity to safely surrender illegal or unwanted firearms, a number of which may be held by people with a lack of awareness of their illegality.
“For example, there was a change to legislation relating to ‘blank firing guns’ towards the end of 2024, which now makes certain models illegal to possess, and some people may not realise that.
“Our communities should be reassured that gun crime rates in south Wales remain extremely low, and we want to keep it this way.
“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. So, every firearm given up really is one less that can fall into the hands of a criminal.”
Your questions answered by SWP
Can I only surrender a weapon during February?
No. Any weapon can be taken to a police station at any time. The purpose of these surrender periods is to shine a spotlight on the dangers of gun crime and to highlight the correct methods of disposal.
Do I just turn up carrying a gun? What if I’m stopped en route?
Anyone stopped on their way to a police station while carrying a gun for surrender, should inform the officer that they have a gun in their possession and explain that they are surrendering it. Officers will be aware of the surrender period and the person would be able to surrender the firearm to that officer.
I have a firearm to surrender, but I don’t want to / can’t transport to a police station. What should I do?
Anyone wishing to surrender but who is unable to get to a police station or is worried about transporting a firerarm/ ammunition, should contact our control room for further advice. Information on how to contact us.
Is it only guns that can be handed in during the surrender period?
No. While the surrender period is focussed on gun crime, we would encourage anyone who has a firearm or a potential weapon (e.g., kitchen knives they no longer need) to bring them into one of the highlighted stations for safe disposal.
If I bring in a firearm, am I protected from any repercussions if that weapon has been involved in a crime?
Anyone surrendering a firearm or any other weapon will be granted immunity for the possession of the weapon at the point of surrender. Station enquiry officers will ask questions in order to complete the firearm surrender form, however there is no obligation to answer the questions and the individual surrendering can choose to hand it in anonymously.
However, South Wales Police does have an obligation to investigate the history of the firearm to identify whether it is linked to crime and to bring those involved to justice.
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