Why it matters: Suffolk residents have until 28 February to hand in specific Turkish-made blank-firing guns or face up to 10 years in prison.
The big picture: Tests by the National Crime Agency show four Turkish manufacturers' blank-firing guns can be readily converted into lethal weapons, making them illegal under the Firearms Act 1968.
By the numbers:
More than 800 of these guns have been recovered in criminal circumstances since 2021
Converted blank firers were used in at least four UK homicides in the last two years
One investigation recovered more than 400 converted weapons from a single crime group
What they're saying: "Gun crime in Suffolk remains very rare but we are not complacent about it," said Darrell Skuse, Firearms & Licensing Manager for Norfolk & Suffolk Constabularies.
The details: The amnesty applies to top-venting blank firers manufactured by:
Retay
Ekol
Ceonic
Blow
What to know: Residents can surrender weapons at three Public Enquiry Offices across Suffolk:
Ipswich Police Station, Princes Street
Lowestoft Police Station, Old Nelson Street
Bury St Edmunds Police Station, Raingate Street
All offices are open from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday.
For context: Top-venting blank firers were previously legal for over-18s to buy without a licence. They have blocked barrels and are designed to discharge only blank cartridges, with gases venting from the top of the weapon.
What's next: After 28 February, anyone found in possession of these weapons could face prosecution and up to 10 years' imprisonment.
The bottom line: Police advise calling 101 before transporting any weapons to receive guidance on safe transportation.
