Essex Police is supporting a four‑week amnesty to remove specific types of blank‑firing guns from circulation.
The amnesty runs from 2 February to 27 February.
After this period, anyone found in possession of one of five Bruni‑manufactured top‑venting blank firers (TVBFs) could face prosecution and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Top‑venting blank firers can be legally purchased in the UK by over‑18s without a licence unless they are considered readily convertible.
Tests carried out by the National Crime Agency and policing have confirmed that the following Bruni models are readily convertible into viable firearms and are therefore illegal to possess:
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank‑firing self‑loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank‑firing self‑loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 blank‑firing self‑loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ blank‑firing self‑loading pistol
- .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single‑action blank‑firing revolver
Many TVBFs may be kept unknowingly or forgotten in people’s homes.
If you possess one of these blank firers and surrender it during the amnesty, you will not be prosecuted and you will not be required to provide personal details if you prefer not to.
This is an opportunity to dispose of these weapons safely and without criminal consequences.
Where can I hand one in?
The amnesty allows holders in Essex to hand in TVBFs at any of the following police station front counters:
- Grays, Brooke Road, RM17 5BX
- Southend, Victoria Ave, SS2 6ES
- Chelmsford, New Street, CM1 1NF
- Colchester, Southway, CO3 3BU
Other unwanted or unlicensed firearms and ammunition can be surrendered to us at any time under our usual procedure.
When transporting your TVBF to a police front counter:
- Carry it in a bag or box out of public sight.
- Make a specific journey solely for the purpose of handing it in, so you are not carrying the item in public longer than necessary.
- Upon arrival, please make clear to the enquiry officer you are there to hand in a firearm before presenting it to them. They will be aware of the correct procedure for accepting the gun.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Davies said