Over 300 firearms and 80 lots of ammunition have been surrendered to police in Scotland this month as part of a UK wide campaign.

A total of 319 Weapons including shotguns, BB guns and imitation firearms were handed into police stations between Thurdsay May 12 and Sunday May 29 in a bid to prevent them from 'falling into the wrong hands'.

 

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “It’s really important that we continue to build on public safety across Scotland by providing opportunities for the safe surrender of weapons like this and by reminding the public to check their licences.”

“Members of the public are reminded that it is against the law to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm, regardless of how you acquire it and are reminded that firearms can be surrendered to the Police at any time.”

“If anyone has any doubt, we have specially trained officers across the country who can make unlicensed weapons safe and remove them.”

Glasgow Times:

It is hoped that the firearms surrender campaign will reduce the chances of unlicensed weapons being used for criminal activity within communities across the country.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown added: “We are grateful to Police Scotland for this important campaign to encourage those in possession of unneeded or unlicensed firearms or air weapons to safely hand them over.

“Firearm offences remain at historically low levels in Scotland, but by removing more than 300 weapons as well as ammunition this initiative will help keep our communities safe.”

For more information on firearms licensing click here.