MORE than 100 guns and almost 3,500 rounds of ammunition were handed into police during a two-week amnesty, it has been revealed.

Officers collected a haul of 46 shotguns, 41 various air guns, pistols and five rifles during last month’s ‘Operation Holster’. Also taken to police stations were eight revolvers and three self-loading pistols, in addition to various calibres of live ammunition.

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A week-long opportunity for people to surrender unwanted firearms and ammunition began on November 10 and, owing to its success, it was extended for a further week.

Some items will be submitted to NABIS (National Ballistics Intelligence Service) and after any evidential issues have been explored the majority of the items will be destroyed.

However there are some historical pieces, including First World War weapons and several rare American guns that the force will donate to organisations including the Royal Armouries and accredited government weapons experts.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Supt Jon Puttock said: “The gun surrender has been a great success. Clearly it is concerning to see so many dangerous weapons on the street but taking these firearms and ammunition out of circulation can only be a good thing.

“We have also had lots of interesting and historic items handed in, including a stun gun disguised as a torch and some of the firearms date back to the First and Second World Wars.

“A replica revolver was brought in after being found while clearing a deceased relative’s house, in addition to two 12-bore shotguns and ammunition that was also found while clearing out another deceased relative’s house some time ago.

“Many of the weapons are old but many remain live and if fired are capable of killing. All it would take is one burglary for a gun to be stolen and end up in criminal hands.”

Throughout the amnesty, those surrendering firearms did not face prosecution for illegal possession and were able to remain anonymous.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “I am delighted the gun surrender proved such a success.

“Every single weapon which has been handed in is one which will now not fall into wrong hands.” That’s an important step toward protecting Lancashire’s residents.

“The consequences of possessing a weapon illegal are severe, and while the volume of guns and ammunition that was out there illegally in Lancashire is concerning, it is pleasing the message is getting through to people.”

New firearms legislation came into effect on July 14 increasing the maximum jail term for illegal gun possession with aggravating features from 10 years to life.