Public urged to hand in blank-firing guns during national amnesty

A national firearms amnesty will take place between 3-28 February, urging the public to surrender Turkish manufactured top-venting blank firers (TVBF) to the police.

After the amnesty, anyone found with a TVBF could face prosecution and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

What is a Turkish Top-Venting Blank Firer (TVBF)?

TVBFs are blank-firing guns with fully blocked barrels, designed solely to discharge blank cartridges.

The blank-firing guns were legal to purchase in the UK by people over 18. In their original state, they are designed to discharge only blank cartridges and are often brightly coloured to distinguish them from real firearms.

Why is it important? 

TVBFs can be converted into viable firearms, making them attractive to criminals who sell them for large profits. The models included in this amnesty can be easily modified to discharge live ammunition, rendering them illegal under the Firearms Act 1968.

Evidence shows that these firearms are increasingly linked to criminal activities, including intimidation and attempts to resemble genuine handguns. Since 2021, UK police have recovered more than 800 TVBFs, with at least four homicides involving the weapons reported since 2023.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Woods said: “By taking part in this amnesty, TVBF owners are ensuring that these weapons do not fall into the wrong hands. While you may have a perfectly innocent reason for owning one, there are individuals whose sole intention is to convert them into viable firearms and sell them on, with no regard for where they ultimately end up.

"This is not a trick, and you will not get into any trouble if you hand in these weapons. If you're unsure whether your TVBF is one that is soon to be made illegal, it’s best to hand it in – don’t take the risk."

What do you need to know?

From February 3rd to 28th, a nationwide amnesty will be running across the UK.

This is an opportunity to safely dispose of and discard your TVBFs by taking them to a local participating police station. You will not be prosecuted for owning one, and you may remain anonymous.

No compensation will be provided by the Government for firearms handed over during the amnesty (or before it), as they are deemed illegal and in breach of current legislation.

If you choose not to surrender your TVBF during the amnesty, you could face prosecution and a prison sentence of up to 10 years if found to own one in the future.

The models are Top-Venting Blank firers manufactured by any of the following:

• BLOW
• CEONIC
• EKOL
• RETAY

How and where can I hand my TVBF in?

You can hand over your TVBF at any of the police stations listed below. Please check the opening hours on our website before your visit.

• Hereford Police Station, Bath Street, Hereford, HR1 2HT
• Kidderminster Police Station, Habberley Road, Kidderminster, DY11 6AN
• Shrewsbury Police Station, Clive Road, Monkmoor, Shrewsbury, SY2 5RW
• Telford Police Station, Malinsgate, Telford, TF3 4HW
• Worcester Police Station, Castle Street, Worcester, WR1 3QX

You can hand over your TVBF at the front counter of these stations. You will be asked for your details, but you are not required to provide them, and you can remain anonymous.

To ensure safety when transporting your TVBF, please:

• Place the item in a bag or box to keep it out of public sight.
• Make a specific journey solely for this purpose to minimise the time spent in public.
• Upon arrival, inform the staff at the front counter that you are there to hand in a firearm before presenting it to them.

Issued by DP, Corporate Communications