West Yorkshire Police urge people to surrender illegal weapons in two-week firearms amnesty
West Yorkshire Police have announced another weapons surrender, where anyone in possession of an illegal gun or bladed weapon can hand it over without facing prosecution.
It's after statistics released earlier this year revealed the county had the highest rates of knife crime outside London, while concerns are also high over the number of crimes involving guns.
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Hide AdSince April, the Force has seen more than 400 guns and knives taken off West Yorkshire's streets in Operation Jemlock, launched with the aim of reducing violent crime.
Those harbouring weapons are urged to think hard about their loved ones' safety before deciding to hang on to them.
The two-week surrender begins Saturday, July 20 or Monday July 22 depending on the police station you visit.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Mark Ridley said: “Many people still have illegal firearms in their house.
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Hide Ad“They may not understand that holding such a weapon is illegal or they may have overlooked an antique gun gathering dust in the loft.
“But it is important that in the fight against gun crime we look to get as many illegal guns as we can off the streets.
He added that those who know relatives and friends who may possess weapons should also encourage them to hand them over.
“I am appealing directly to those family members and members of the community who are aware of people who have illegally held guns to either get them to surrender the weapons or to contact Crimestoppers in confidence with any information.
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Hide Ad“What this two week surrender allows is for people to hand in the firearms without any fear of prosecution for possessing the gun.
“From 2016 – 2018 the number of firearms discharges has fallen across West Yorkshire but we are not complacent and are doing everything we can to reduce such crimes."
The police stations you can surrender your firearms are:
Bradford Police StationTrafalgar HouseNelson StreetBradfordBD5 0DX
8:00am - 10:00pm - Mon - Friday
08:00 - 20:00 Sat + Sun
Dewsbury Police StationAldams RoadDewsburyWF12 8AR
8:00am - 10:00pm - Mon - Friday
08:00 - 20:00 Sat + Sun
Halifax Police StationRichmond CloseHalifaxHX1 5TW
8:00am - 10:00pm - Mon - Friday
08:00 - 20:00 Sat + Sun
Huddersfield Police StationCastlegateHuddersfieldHD1 2NJ
8:00am - 10:00pm - Mon - Friday
08:00 - 20:00 Sat + Sun
Keighley Police StationAiredale HouseRoyd Ings AvenueKeighleyBD21 4BZ
8:00am - 10:00pm - Mon - Friday
08:00 - 20:00 Sat + Sun
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Hide AdLeeds District HQElland Road Police StationElland RoadLeedsLS11 8BU
8:00am - 10:00pm - Mon - Friday
08:00 - 20:00 Sat + Sun
Leeds Stainbeck Police StationStainbeck LaneLeedsLS7 3QU
8:00am - 10:00pm - Mon - Friday
08:00 - 20:00 Sat + Sun
Wakefield District HeadquartersHavertop LaneNormantonWF6 1FD
8:00am - 10:00pm - Mon - Friday
08:00 - 20:00 Sat + Sun