Almost 300 weapons given up in month-long police amnesty

Since the operation was launched on May 1, 286 weapons, including 32 guns, 14 swords, eight machetes and 230 knives, were surrendered at police stations across the city and at the mobile police unit.

The amnesty, which was organised by Derbyshire police and Derby City Council, ran throughout the month of May to reduce the risk of items such as knives and BB guns falling into the wrong hands.

Chief Insp Steve Pont said: “I’m very pleased that people have responded so well to the amnesty and taken the opportunity to hand their weapons in and it’s reassuring that members of the community felt confident enough to come forward and hand in guns, knives and other items in such large numbers.

“The message we are now sending to criminals is clear. You had the opportunity to hand in your weapons, no questions asked. Anyone now caught with a weapon on them will be dealt with severely.”

Chief Insp Pont said that officers now plan to contact museums who may be interested in adding the WWII pistol to their collection.