Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday 13th March 2025, at 13:25hrs
Four potentially lethal blank-firing guns have been taken off the streets of Lancashire following a national firearms amnesty targeting easily convertible weapons.
Lancashire Police, in conjunction with the National Crime Agency (NCA), participated in the four-week initiative aimed at removing Turkish-manufactured top-venting blank firing (TVBF) guns from circulation.
The amnesty, which concluded on Friday, February 28th, focused on specific models from the BLOW, CEONIC, EKOL, and RETAY brands.
Testing by the NCA revealed these particular TVBF guns could be readily converted into live-firing weapons, rendering them illegal.
During the amnesty period, Lancashire residents surrendered four of the targeted TVBF models, alongside one other TVBF of a different make.
In total, 16 firearms were handed in, including pistols, shotguns, BB guns, and revolvers. Additionally, 113 rounds of ammunition were surrendered.
Lancashire Police emphasized the success of the amnesty in bolstering public safety.
Chief Inspector Jon Penson, of Specialist Operations Firearm Licensing, stated,
“We are fortunate that gun crime in Lancashire remains low and with the help of the public we have made our communities safer through the removal of these weapons.”
He further stressed the force’s commitment to tackling illegal firearms:
“We remain committed to robustly protecting the public and acting on any intelligence.
Communities hold the key to helping reduce firearm related crime.
Information from witnesses and local communities is vital if we are to obtain the evidence we need to arrest and prosecute offenders.”
Anyone found in possession of an illegal TVBF after the amnesty period could face prosecution and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Lancashire Police urge anyone with information about illegal firearms activity to contact them on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For information about firearms licensing, residents can visit the Lancashire Police website.
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