Firearms and ammunition handed in during month-long amnesty in Teesside

Across February, at least 13 Turkish Top-Venting Blank Firing (TVBF) firearms were anonymously brought to police stations in Teesside to prevent them from being used in criminal circles.

A quantity of ammunition was also handed in along with a cross bow and a pistol.

It comes as Cleveland Police joined forces in England and Wales alongside the National Crime Agency (NCA) to be part of a campaign that supported an amnesty of illegal firearms.

Between Monday 3 February and Friday 28 February officers were asking people to hand in any TVBF firearms and to do so anonymously without facing prosecution.

The weapons are illegal under the Firearms Act 1968. The Turkish guns soon to be made illegal are models with the brand names Retay, Ekol, Ceonic and Blow.

Anyone found in possession of the weapon could face up to 10 years in prison.

Detective Chief Inspector David Glass, who led the firearms amnesty operation in Teesside, said: “I’m delighted members of the public have taken this opportunity to hand in these weapons and prevent them from potentially being used by criminals to cause serious threats, harm or violence.

“The danger that comes with a firearm should go without saying and we continue to work with our partners to educate people as well as act on information that leads to a firearm being seized and removed from our streets.

“While the amnesty is now over, I still want to encourage anyone who may have information around a firearm to get in touch. You can do this by calling 101 or visiting our website.

“Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”