A national amnesty is being held for owners of soon to be illegal Top Venting Blank Firers

While gun crime in the UK remains lowest in the world, following the concerns raised over these four specific types of TVBFs and their ability to be converted into firearms with the ability to fire live ammunition, The National Police Chiefs’ Council Criminal Use of Firearms Lead, has agreed with Chief Constables that an amnesty will run from Monday, February 3 to Friday, February 28 2025, enabling people to safely dispose of a firearm.

Following the amnesty, anyone in possession of any of the four types of Turkish top-venting blank firer (TVBF) could be subject to prosecution and up to 10 years imprisonment. 

Inspector Fencott-Price of Dyfed-Powys Police said. “Whilst people will have purchased these believing they were legal for their intended use, it is important you are aware of the changes in the law rendering them a prohibited firearm.

“We understand that people will have purchased these legally, however they are now no longer to be kept in your possession and we encourage you to take part in this four-week amnesty.

“In their legal state, they are designed to discharge only blank cartridges, and are sold with 50 per cent of their visible surface painted in bright colours to help them stand our as non-viable firearms.

“Unfortunately, though, they are appealing to criminals and offenders who convert them, changing them from their legal state and since 2021, UK law enforcement, have recovered more than 800 of the guns in criminal circumstances.

“We want as many Turkish Top-Venting Blank Firers (TVBF) as possible to be handed in. Individuals or organisations surrendering the firearm during the amnesty period will not be prosecuted for the possession of a prohibited weapon and if you wish you can do so anonymously.

“We encourage anyone who may own the TBVFs to take part in this national amnesty, and hand them in to one of our chosen police stations below before 28 February 2025, to help stop them getting into the wrong hands in the future.”

Chosen locations for the amnesty are Llandrindod Wells, Brecon and Newtown Police stations as well as others in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokshire. 

You can visit the stations between the hours of 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Those who wish to take part in the amnesty are reminded to transport them responsibly.

Anyone who cannot travel to one of the locations during the amnesty, should call the police on 101, so they can discuss this with you to ensure you can take part.

Anyone in doubt should contact the police.