A TOTAL of 18 firearms have been handed into Redditch Police Station in just three days.
A two-week amnesty, which also saw two lots of ammunition surrendered at the Grove Street building, started on Monday (November 3) and aims to reduce gun crime in the area.
As part of Operation Magpie, anyone who hands over a weapon will not be required to leave any information, but the item may be examined by police for evidence if they believe it is linked with a crime.
All surrendered firearms will be destroyed except for those which have a historical value which could be donated to museums.
It also offers the chance for legal firearm owners to hand in old weapons they no longer need and is part of a drive by police forces across Britain.
Across West Mercia a total of 78 weapons have been handed in, while Warwickshire police stations have received 19.
Supt Charles Hill, from West Mercia Police, said: “Compared to other areas of the country we don’t have a big gun problem in the region. However, we are aware of issues of gun crime nationally and we are keen to play our part in supporting this operation and reducing the opportunities for firearms to be used for criminal offence.
“Every firearm surrendered is one less weapon that can be used to commit crime.”
He added: “We would also like to use this opportunity to encourage anyone who has concerns about someone owning firearms, ammunition or explosives, either legitimately or illegally, to report it to us.”
To report any concerns about firearms call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
