UPDATE: South Yorkshire Police have just announced an urgent amnesty for illegal converted firearms, identified as a significant contributor to local shootings. This initiative encourages owners to surrender specific brands of blank-firing weapons, aiming to enhance community safety and reduce crime rates.
Detective Inspector Claire Moss of South Yorkshire Police’s Armed Crime Team emphasized the critical nature of this operation, stating that getting these firearms off the streets is a “priority” for the force. “Converted blank-firing firearms make up a large proportion of discharges and recoveries in South Yorkshire over the last three years,” Moss said.
The amnesty will run throughout February 2025, allowing individuals to hand in their illegally converted weapons at designated police stations across South Yorkshire. This action comes in response to alarming statistics that reveal these firearms are frequently involved in violent incidents.
“If you remain in possession of one of these illegal weapons, not only do you risk being handed a considerable jail sentence, but you are also posing a danger to innocent members of your local community,” Moss warned.
According to testing conducted by the National Crime Agency, five models of blank-firing weapons, particularly certain BRUNI models, are classified as readily convertible and thus illegal. Retailers and importers of these specific firearms have been instructed to cease their sale immediately.
This move follows a similar month-long amnesty in February 2025, which aimed to address the issue of illegal firearms. The Firearms Act 1982 and the Firearms Act 1968 clearly outline the prohibitions against such weapons, emphasizing the legal ramifications for possession.
The police urge anyone with these firearms to take advantage of this amnesty, which is designed to facilitate the safe disposal of dangerous items. Officers will provide guidelines to ensure safety during the surrender process.
As the amnesty unfolds, South Yorkshire Police will be monitoring its impact on local crime rates, hoping to see a significant reduction in incidents involving converted firearms. Residents are encouraged to participate and contribute to a safer community.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing situation progresses. Community safety is at the forefront of this initiative, and every surrendered weapon is a step towards a safer South Yorkshire.
