AN APPEAL has been launched to turn over firearms and ammunition in a two week surrender.

From Saturday, July 20 North Wales Police are offering a window of opportunity until Sunday, August 4 at designated stations in Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Caernarfon and Holyhead to dispose of any unwanted firearms.

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 communities.

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.”

Surrendering unwanted, unlicensed weapons avoids the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and means that members of the community can dispose of firearms in a safe place.

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.

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 from Monday to Saturday at the Rhyl Wellington Road Station from 8.30am until 7pm, and from 9am to 6pm on Sundays.

Drop offs at Colwyn Bay station on Rhiw Road can be made on Mondays from 9am until 1pm and 3pm until 6pm.

At Llandudno's Oxford Road station, from 9am until1pm and from 3pm until 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Firearms deposits at Caernarfon station on Maesincla Lane are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday from 9am to 1pm and from 3pm to 6pm.

Deposits can also be made in Holyhead at the Stanley Street station on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 1pm and 3pm until 6pm.