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From Tuesday, anyone with a dangerous weapon in Alderney can give in to the police without any worry about being charged with a possession offence.
The States of Alderney and Guernsey Police have worked together to organise the 'Dangerous Weapons Surrender' which will run between 14 and 28 February inclusive.
Alderney's Temporary Chief Executive Liz Maurice, who is responsible for granting weapons certificates in Alderney, said it's hoped that anyone who has unwanted or unnecessary weapons will take up the opportunity to hand them in.
“Experience tells us that there may be people with firearms or other dangerous weapons who feel unsure or nervous about coming forward because they know that, for whatever reason, they do not currently hold a valid permit," she said.
"There may also be others who have a licence but no longer wish to have the items in their possession.”
Sgt James Taylor of Alderney Police said there will be no prosecutions during the amnesty which will also mean the unwanted weapons can be disposed of safely. Anyone handing in a firearm or dangerous weapon will be required to complete a surrender and destruction notice for that item.
After the amnesty has closed, police will continue to investigate illegally held firearms and other dangerous weapons.
Pictured: Alderney Police Station.
“The Surrender includes ammunition, knives and other bladed weapons," he said.
"This is a public safety exercise and provides an opportunity for islanders to hand in any firearms or other weapons that they may have possession of, or may have inherited, in order for them to be safely disposed of.”
During this period, Alderney Police will accept all weapons which may include:
These items have to be taken to Alderney Police Station.
Any firearms handed in must be unloaded and any ammunition carried separately. Firearms should also be transported in a bag or suitable container.
If anyone is unable to take their item to the police personally they should contact Sgt Taylor at Alderney Police on 222222 so that arrangements can be made to collect it.
Those with expired certificates can apply for renewal before or during the Surrender, forms for which can be obtained online at States of Alderney Home Page or from the States General Office.
This applies to those whose licence may have lapsed for any reason or who have never applied for one. They will not have to hand in their weapon unless the application is rejected. The objective is that all guns will be either registered or handed in.
Last year the States updated the ‘Dangerous Weapons (Alderney) Ordinance 1965’ following public consultation. The amendments focused on ensuring that the use and possession of weapons and ammunition is safe and legal, with the emphasis on enhancing public safety. This includes the security requirements for weapons and ammunition.
Secure storage is a Certificate holder’s responsibility that further reduces the risk of weapons getting into the wrong hands.
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