Staffordshire Police Announce Firearm Amnesty for Specific Turkish-Made Models
Staffordshire Police have launched a significant month-long amnesty, specifically targeting five types of Turkish-manufactured top-venting blank firearms. The initiative, which commences on Monday 2nd, offers owners the opportunity to surrender these weapons at designated police stations with no questions asked and without facing prosecution for illegal possession.
Amnesty Details and Legal Implications
The amnesty applies exclusively to five models of Turkish blank-firing guns, known as top-venting blank firearms (TVBFs). These are legal to purchase in the UK by individuals over 18 without a licence, provided they are not readily convertible. In their original state, these firearms have a blocked barrel and are designed to discharge only blank cartridges, with combustion gases venting from the top of the weapon.
Superintendent Mat Derrick, head of operations at Staffordshire Police, emphasised the purpose of the amnesty: “This will remove potential future firearms from circulation, whilst allowing those who legally purchased them to hand them in without prosecution for a limited time.” He further clarified that the amnesty does not affect firearms held by licensed holders and reiterated the force's commitment to investigating organised crime links.
Specific Models Covered by the Amnesty
The amnesty covers the following five models of Turkish blank-firing guns:
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ blank firing self-loading pistol
- .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single-action blank firing revolver
Anyone found in possession of these specific TVBF models after the amnesty period concludes could face prosecution, highlighting the urgency for owners to comply.
Designated Surrender Locations and Procedures
Owners wishing to surrender one of these firearms are advised to visit only the dedicated police stations listed below. The stations will be open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the amnesty month. It is important to note that firearms cannot be handed in at Staffordshire Police headquarters in Stafford.
- Burton Police Station, Horninglow Street, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 1PA
- Cannock Police Station, Wolverhampton Road, Cannock, WS11 1AW
- Longton Police Station, Sutherland Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1HH
During the surrender process, individuals can remain anonymous and will not be prosecuted for the illegal possession of these specific models, provided they comply within the amnesty timeframe.
Context and Previous Amnesty Success
This amnesty follows a similar initiative last year, which proved successful in removing potentially dangerous items from circulation. During the previous four-week amnesty, a total of 66 Turkish top-venting blank firers, along with 20 other firearms and ammunition, were handed in to police stations across the region. The current amnesty aims to build on this success by targeting these specific models, which are of particular concern to law enforcement due to their potential misuse.
The police force's proactive approach underscores their ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands, while providing a lawful outlet for owners to dispose of these items responsibly.
