POLICE in Barnsley have launched a firearms amnesty in a bid to rid the streets of guns and prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands.
During the 12 day amnesty, which began on Monday, anyone who surrenders a gun or ammunition will not be prosecuted, even if the weapon is illegally owned.
DCI Zaf Ali who is leading on the amnesty is urging people to bring in any unwanted or illegal firearms and surrender them at Churchfields in Barnsley.
He said: "The amnesty provides an opportunity for people who hold an illegal firearm to dispose of it safely and quickly with no fear of being prosecuted for possession of the weapon.
"It also offers people the chance to safely dispose of a firearm if it's been passed down as a family heirloom and is no longer wanted."Any firearm can be handed in during the amnesty, including but not limited to, air weapons, BB guns, handguns, antique firearms, component parts, ammunition and imitation firearms, which will all be accepted.."
New legislation has also been introduced this year regarding the ownership of antique guns.
It is now illegal for anyone with a criminal record to own an antique firearm.
