South Wales Police are warning of the dangers of blank firing guns 'falling into the wrong hands'.
The force is taking part in a month-long national amnesty aimed at preventing inmitation firearms from being used illegally by criminals.
They're often used as props in film and theatre productions or as starter pistols for races - but some are being converted to fire live or modified ammunition.
The National Crime Agency says such firearms, which have been manufactured in Italy by BRNI, have been classified as readily convertible and are therefore now illegal to own. These include:
- 8mm Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm New Police blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm Model ‘GAP’ blank firing self-loading pistol
- .380R (9mmK) ME Ranger single action blank firing revolver
From Monday 2nd to Friday 27th February, any firearm can be handed in at police stations across the region, including Barry, Bridgend and Cardiff Bay.
Detective Inspector Mark Saunders, gun crime lead at South Wales Police, said: “It’s vitally important that we engage with our communities through this amnesty to take these blank firing firearms off our streets."
"The affected models recognised by NABIS can be converted which can of course lead to fatal consequences if they fall into the hands of those who wish to repurpose them for criminal use."
"We fully understand that these blank firing firearms may be innocently held by people with no awareness of their illegality, which is why we are partaking in this amnesty and giving people across our communities the chance to hand them into us without penalty."
"I’d urge anyone in possession of any of models affected to do the right thing and take this opportunity being afforded to them. By handing their firearms in at the front counters of those designated police stations, they’ll be helping us to keep our communities safe."
An SWP spokesperson added: "While firearms and other weapons can be handed in to police at any time, surrender months such as this aim to raise awareness of gun crime and also the part the public can play in helping to keep South Wales safe."
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