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Police plea over weapons amnesty

A month-long weapons amnesty, which got off to an encouraging start in County Durham, appears to be losing momentum, according to police officers. The first week of the amnesty saw 372 knives and other bladed weapons handed in across the force area, but this number dropped to 287 over the past two weeks.The 659 total included only four shotguns, two 2.2 air rifles and 12 other air weapons. Police are reminding people who still have weapons in their possession that they have until 30 June to hand them in without fear of prosecution.Inspector Ken Cook said: “Any weapon safely off the streets is a plus and we were very encouraged by the response in the first week of the amnesty but we want people to remember it continues until June 30 so there is still time to hand knives and firearms to police. “The amnesty gives people the opportunity to surrender any firearm without fear of being prosecuted for the offence of possessing it unlawfully and presents the opportunity to get rid of it safely without any cost to themselves.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .