POLICE are giving people the chance to anonymously surrender illegal firearms in a bid to reduce guns and weapon possession in the community.

The firearms and ammunition surrender aims to stop weapons from falling into the hands of criminals.

During the two-week campaign, those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for the illegal possession upon surrender and can remain anonymous.

Chief Inspector Emma Baillie, Head of Armed Response for the Joint Operations Unit for Hampshire and Thames Valley, said: “This is your chance to safely dispose of any guns or ammunition you no longer want but don’t know what to do with.

“Surrender them now and we can dispose of them safely, making sure that they do not fall into the hands of criminals.

“We know that the consequences of firearms or replica firearms falling into the wrong hands can be fatal and can cause real fear within our communities.

“They also have the potential of being used against our own officers who could find themselves confronted with someone wielding a weapon in public.”

The police have said that this is not an amnesty and if further examination of a surrendered firearm is linked to a crime, it will be investigated further.

Replica firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, antique guns, component parts and other ballistic items are also being accepted.

Chief inspector Baillie added: “While crimes involving firearms in the Thames Valley region are rare, we know that every firearm poses a potential threat if they are not licensed and stored safely.

“That is why we are offering this opportunity to safely hand in your unwanted firearms.

“The fight against gun crime is stronger than ever. We take all reports of incidents involving firearms extremely seriously and robust action will be taken against anyone who commits a firearms related offence.”

Thames Valley Police are asking anyone who is unsure about an item they have to call us on 101 to get advice on what they should do.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.