- Home Page
- >News
- >Press Releases
- >Press Release - Dangerous Weapons Surrender announced in Alderney - 10.02.23
Press Release - Dangerous Weapons Surrender announced in Alderney - 10.02.23
Media Release
Date: 10th February 2023
Issued at: 1000hrs
Joint Media Release from the States of Alderney and Guernsey Police Dangerous Weapons Surrender announced in Alderney.
The States of Alderney and Guernsey Police have announced a period of Dangerous Weapons Surrender which will take place on the Island from February 14th to 28th 2023 inclusive.
This provides the opportunity for anybody, regardless of circumstance, to safely hand over unwanted weapons without being referred for prosecution for unlawful possession.
Temporary Chief Executive Liz Maurice, who is responsible for granting weapons certificates in Alderney, said:
"Experience tells us that there may be people with firearms or other dangerous weapons who feel unsure or nervous about coming forward because they know that, for whatever reason, they do not currently hold a valid permit. There may also be others who have a licence but no longer wish to have the items in their possession.
"Sgt James Taylor of Alderney Police said:
"The Surrender includes ammunition, knives and other bladed weapons. This is a public safety exercise and provides an opportunity for Islanders to hand in any firearms or
other weapons that they may have possession of, or may have inherited, in order for them to be safely disposed of."
During this period, Alderney Police will accept all weapons which may include:
• Illegally held firearms or ammunition (for which no dangerous weapons certificate is held, or the certificate has expired)
• Unwanted firearms or ammunition
• Imitation firearms and air weapons
• BB guns
• Spear guns and crossbows
• Any knives or bladed articles
• Flare guns and flares
These items will be accepted at the Alderney Police Station. Any firearms taken to the Police MUST be unloaded and any ammunition carried separately. Firearms should also be transported in a bag or suitable container. Any person handing in a firearm or dangerous weapon will be required to complete a surrender/destruction notice for that item.
If anyone is unable to take their item to the police personally they should contact Sgt Taylor at Alderney Police on 01481 222222 so that arrangements can be made to collect it.
After the period has passed, Police will continue to investigate illegally held firearms and other dangerous weapons.
Those with expired certificates can apply for renewal before or during the Surrender, forms for which can be obtained online at www.alderney.gov.gg or from the States General Office. This applies to those whose licence may have lapsed for any reason or who have never applied for one. They will not have to hand in their weapon unless the application is rejected. The objective is that all guns will be either registered or handed in.
Last year the States updated the 'Dangerous Weapons (Alderney) Ordinance 1965' following public consultation. The amendments focused on ensuring that the use and possession of weapons and ammunition is safe and legal, with the emphasis on enhancing public safety.
This includes the security requirements for weapons and ammunition. Secure storage is a Certificate holder's responsibility that further reduces the risk of weapons getting into the wrong hands.
End