A weapons amnesty is being offered in Huddersfield and Calderdale as part of a West Yorkshire Police force-wide campaign.
The weapons surrender, starting today and lasting ten days, will allow the public to hand in guns, knives and other offensive weapons without fear of prosecution.
But due to recent changes in the law, for the first time the amnesty is aimed at owners of certain antique weapons, who could unknowingly be in possession of an illegal weapon which police fear could get into the wrong hands.
West Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Andy Battle said: “We have worked hard to reduce gun and knife crime and it remains low in West Yorkshire.
“We take firearms offences very seriously and don’t want people to fall foul of the law by keeping hold of these weapons.
“This is not in response to any particular incidents in West Yorkshire but reflects the change in the law and gives people the opportunity to safely bring them into police. It is about preventing injury and harm to members of the public and making them safe and feel safer.
“We would urge members of the public to hand in any weapons at their local police station. Failure to do so would be a serious matter and could lead to some very serious charges.”
Now the weapons, which can be handed in at police stations in Huddersfield, Halifax and Dewsbury, will have the history of each live weapon checked for evidence of its use in crimes.
The changes will stop convicts being able to buy or possess old weapons, and by the end of the year dealers will have to keep computerised records for at least 20 years.
At the same time police are urging members of the public to hand in any other weapons they hold including knives and offensive weapons.
West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said: “I fully support this weapons surrender.
“It is reassuring to know that gun and knife crime remains low across the county but I would urge people to take advantage of this surrender to hand in weapons they have that may be illegal.”
What is the changes to weapon possession and where can I hand my weapon in?
A new offence has come into force regarding possession of a prohibited weapon or ammunition for sale or transfer, which will carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The laws around antique firearms have been tightened which mean that someone who has served or received a criminal sentence can no longer possess an antique gun.
The sentencing guidelines for possession for sale or transfer of an unauthorised firearm or ammunition have also been raised from 10 years to a maximum penalty of life.
Anyone handing in a firearm, or a stun gun, during the surrender is advised to check the opening times of the police stations concerned.
Weapons can be handed in for the next 10 days. Huddersfield and Dewsbury police stations are open seven days a week from 8am-10pm.
