The Hertfordshire Constabulary are urging residents who own weapons which were recently made illegal to surrender them through a new scheme.
The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 made rapid firing rifles, bump stocks, knuckledusters, flick knives and zombie knives illegal, along with a number of other weapons.
Qualifying weapons surrendered to the police by March 9, 2021 may be eligible for government compensation. Details of the compensation scheme and a full list of qualifying weapons are available on the government website: orlo.uk/h34m7
Superintendent Clare Smith, deputy head of criminal justice for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, said: “It is important the public understands that these weapons, which were previously lawful to own privately, are now illegal and must be surrendered.
“These are dangerous weapons and taking them out of private ownership will help keep communities safe and prevent them from falling into criminal hands.
“There will be people who own these weapons as trophy pieces with no intention of ever using them. The law still applies and the surrender campaign is an opportunity for them to hand in these weapons and potentially be compensated by the government for their loss.”
Chief Superintendent Richard Liversidge, who is leading the initiative for Hertfordshire, said: “New legislation introduced on December 10 means that some people who already have some of these weapons in their possession may be breaking the law.
“Whatever the circumstances, the three-month amnesty provides ample opportunity to dispose of these unwanted firearms and other weapons safely and with peace of mind.”
To surrender a weapon, email opbritney@herts.pnn.police.uk and the weapons surrender team will be in touch to arrange collection.
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