Sussex Police offerfire-arms amnestyduring November

Until Friday November 21 police are inviting members of the public to surrender unwanted items so they can be disposed of safely.

New legislation that came into effect in July increased the maximum jail term for illegal gun possession from 10 years to life.

This now includes anyone who is storing a weapon for someone else. It also includes antique firearms due to the fact that obsolete weapons can be made viable by criminals with ballistics knowledge.

Police believe many gun owners may not realise the weapons they have could be illegal or the danger they pose if they fall into the wrong hands. The campaign gives holders the chance to hand in firearms and ammunition safely at a police station. During the amnesty period, those surrendering firearms will not be prosecuted for offences of possessing them illegally. However ,each weapon may be analysed to determine if it has been used in crime and, if it has, it will be investigated.

Chief Superintendent Paul Morrison, said: “We do all we can to ensure firearms do not fall into the hands of criminals.”