VIDEO: 180 weapons handed to South Yorkshire Police in amnesty

South Yorkshire Police launched the amnesty on July 11 so people could dispose of weapons safely, with no fear of being prosecuted.

During the three-week surrender, police were handed 65 guns, 120 knives and swords, as well as over 200 rounds of ammunition.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Whittaker, who led the campaign, said he was pleased with the number of weapons handed in.

He said: “One less firearm on the streets is one potential less victim of crime, and to remove 65 firearms from potential circulation in our county is a tremendous effort, and I want to thank everyone who used the opportunity to protect their family, friends and residents of South Yorkshire.”

DCI Whittaker said police held the amnesty after a spike in firearms offences across the county – especially in Sheffield.

But he wanted to reassure residents that the chances of being threatened with a gun remain very rare.

DCI Whittaker said: “In my experience, the people involved with firearms offences are organised criminals who think it’s their business to sell drugs and enforce that by carrying firearms.

“Seeing all these weapons laid out may look scary. But the chance of having a gun pulled on you is very rare. Gun incidents are on-the-whole targeted attacks against other criminals.”

In total there were 50 firearms handed in – 30 in Sheffield, eight in Rotherham, seven in Doncaster and five in Barnsley. In addition, 15 firearms were ‘collected from around the region’.

DCI Whittaker added: “Those who choose to arm themselves and commit crime are responsible for damaging our communities and are a blight on society, and I want to make it very clear that the use of firearms and knives in South Yorkshire will not be tolerated.”

The types of firearms surrendered included shotguns, pistols, and BB guns as well as air rifles and handguns. There was also 120 knives handed in which included samurai swords.

People who surrendered their weapons did so at police front counters.

Immunity was provided against prosecution for possession at the time the weapon was handed in. However, all the weapons will now undergo forensic testing and if they are found to have been used in previous criminal activity, it will be investigated by police and there could be potential prosecutions. Anyone with information regarding firearms can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.