POLICE will be making announced visits to gun owners across Hampshire over the next 12 days to make sure that their weapons are being stored safely.

It is part of a firearms and ammunition amnesty that aims to take illegal weapons off the county’s streets.

A previous campaign more than ten years ago saw more than 100 illegal firearms being handed in, along with more than 1,000 rounds of live ammunition, in just 16 days.

Chief Superintendent Dave Hardcastle, who is leading the campaign, said: “The purpose is to reduce the overall harm of gun crime on communities.

“Fortunately in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, gun crime is rare and we’d like to keep it that way.

“I’d encourage people who illegally hold weapons and ammunition to surrender them to us. This in turn will reduce the risk of these weapons ending up in the wrong hands.”

He added: “If you have old firearms or ammunition in your loft or shed that you don’t want, then this is the time to surrender them.

“We want to get as many firearms out of circulation and off the streets as possible. One gun in the wrong hands can have catastrophic consequences.”

Police are also using the campaign to remind the public about recent changes in firearms legislation.

The laws around antique firearms were tightened, which means that someone who has served or received a criminal sentence can no longer possess an antique gun.

The sentencing guidelines for possession for sale or transfer of an unauthorised firearm or ammunition were also raised, with the offence now carrying a maximum penalty of life.

Officers are urging anyone who has a conviction and possesses a firearm to view this campaign as an opportunity to give up their weapon or ammunition.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes, pictured below, said: “I applaud Hampshire Constabulary for supporting this national drive to remove and destroy unlicensed firearms.

“There are of course those who have a legitimate reason for holding a firearm and are licensed to do so.

“However, for those who don’t, I would strongly urge them to take advantage of this opportunity and hand their weapon in to the police, and help keep our communities safe from harm should the weapon get into the wrong hands.”

To surrender a weapon or ammunition, the public can send an email for an appointment to firearms.surrender@hampshire.pnn.police.uk or call 101.