UPDATE: South Yorkshire Police have just announced an urgent amnesty for owners of converted firearms, a significant step in combating the alarming rise of gun violence in the region. Authorities report that converted blank-firing firearms, particularly five specific BRUNI models, account for a “large proportion” of shootings in South Yorkshire over the past three years.
Detective Inspector Claire Moss, of the Armed Crime Team, emphasized the amnesty’s importance in her statement, declaring that removing these weapons from the streets is a top priority. “I urge anyone with one of the five brands of blank-firing weapons to visit one of the designated locations in February and hand it in,” she said. “Possession of these illegal firearms not only risks a hefty jail sentence but also endangers innocent community members.”
This amnesty will allow individuals to surrender their converted blank-firing weapons (TVBFs) at police stations throughout South Yorkshire. The initiative aims to improve public safety and reduce the number of illegal firearms in circulation.
The initiative is set to kick off in February 2025, following a previous month-long event. The National Crime Agency and local police have confirmed that testing on four Turkish models—Retay, Ekol, Ceonic ISSC, and Blow—revealed they can be easily converted to fire live ammunition using common tools, violating the Firearms Act 1982 and making them prohibited under the Firearms Act 1968.
Police have taken proactive measures, instructing retailers and importers of these specific TVBFs to cease trading immediately. The message is clear: turning in these firearms is crucial for community safety.
The impact of this initiative is significant, as the presence of converted firearms has been linked to a rise in gun-related incidents across South Yorkshire. By encouraging citizens to report and surrender these weapons, police hope to foster a safer environment for all residents.
Authorities are reminding the public that safety is paramount when transporting these weapons to police stations. The amnesty presents a critical opportunity for community members to act responsibly and remove dangerous items from their homes.
As this story develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the amnesty. The potential for jail time and the risk posed to the community make this a pressing issue that demands immediate attention.
For those interested, further details on locations and times for the amnesty will be made available soon. Stay tuned to this developing story as South Yorkshire Police work diligently to ensure the safety of its citizens.
