63 items handed in during Op Aztec the national firearms surrender to Wiltshire Police

The nationwide campaign was co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) and designed to give people in possession of firearms an opportunity to hand them in.

Due to changes in legislation in 2021, the surrender included antique guns that may have been legally held before the changes.  The force also encouraged the public to hand in decommissioned firearms which could be converted and reactivated into a working weapon and used for criminal purposes.

Weapons surrendered include:

• 12 shotguns, including one sawn off
• 10 handguns including a Walther PPK (as favoured by James Bond)
• 6 rifles including a Mauser K98 of WWII vintage (poor condition)
• 7 air rifles/pistols
• 4 BB guns
• 1 crossbow

Sgt Bill Monk from Specialist Operations said: “Every weapon taken off our streets can save a life or prevent serious injury. The weapons and ammunition surrendered by the public during May will prevent them falling into the wrong hands.”

“The realistic-looking imitation weapons could have been used by criminals to cause fear in our communities as people simply wouldn’t know the difference between a replica gun or BB gun from a working handgun, if confronted with one.

“I would like to thank everyone who has handed in their unwanted or unused weapons for safe disposal and helping to keep Wiltshire and Swindon safer.”

If you know of people involved in illegal firearms contact Wiltshire Police through the reporting section of the website or call 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.