North Wales Police embarks on two week gun surrender campaign

North Wales Police along with forces across the country are appealing for people to hand in unwanted guns with a two week surrender of firearms and ammunition.

Between Saturday 20 July and Sunday 4 August all guns and ammunition can be handed over anonymously at a number of police stations across North Wales including Mold.

Many firearms are held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or are overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes.

Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to harm, threaten and intimidate their local communities.

The surrender gives people the chance to dispose of firearms or ammunition by simply taking them to a designated local police station and handing them over.

During this period, those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for the illegal possession upon surrender and can remain anonymous.

However, the history of each live weapon will be checked for evidence of its use in crimes.

Detective Superintendent Steve Williams of North Wales Police said: “Given the large rural setting of our area, it may be that some people hold unlicensed firearms that have been handed down to them and may have concerns as to what to do with these weapons.

“There may also be people who, because of the change in legislation have a weapon they cannot legally hold. This surrender period allows them to dispose of these weapons in a manner that can allay such fears.

“Fortunately we do not have a significant gun crime problem in North Wales. However, we are not complacent about gun crime and we want as many guns surrendered as possible so I would encourage the public to come forward.”

This summer’s national campaign has a particular focus on firearms, stun gun type devices and pepper sprays.

Police want to highlight the danger of these items and remind people they are illegal in this country and could lead to a prison sentence for anyone caught in possession.

Weapons and ammunition can be surrendered at the following police stations in North Wales – Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Caernarfon, Bangor and Holyhead.

However if people are unable to visit any of these stations they are advised to contact North Wales Police on 101 to make alternative arrangements.

For advice on how best to transport the weapon responsibly from home to their police station they are advised to phone 101 before travelling.

Designated stations and opening times:

Wrexham Police Station at the former Oriel Gallery, Rhosddu Road LL11 1AU. (01978) 834321 – 8.30am/7pm – Monday to Saturday & 9am/6pm – Sundays

Mold Police Station, King Street CH7 1EF (01352) 708405 – 9am/1pm & 3pm/6pm Monday to Saturday

Rhyl Police Station, Wellington Road LL18 1DA (01745) 539409 – 8.30am/7pm – Monday to Saturday & 9am/6pm – Sundays

Llandudno Police Station, Oxford Road LL30 1DN (01492) 805037 – 9am/1pm & 3pm/6pm Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Saturday

Colwyn Bay Police Station, Rhiw Road LL28 7TE (01492) 805306 – 9am/1pm & 3pm/6pm Mondays

Caernarfon Police Station, Maesincla Lane LL55 1BU. (01286) 670679 – 9am/1pm & 3pm/6pm Mon, Wed, Fri & Saturday

Holyhead Police Station, 1 Stanley Street LL65 1HL. (01407) 724090 – 9am/1pm & 3pm/6pm Tuesday & Thursdays