UNLICENSED guns and ammunition should be “surrendered” over the next two weeks police have said, as they begin a force-wide amnesty.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for people to hand in all unlicensed guns, bullets and old or antique firearms to reduce the number of illegal held weapons in the area.

The two week period will allow people to give police the weapons without facing prosecution for illegal possession of the weapons, although any believed to have been used in criminal activity will be investigated.

Leading the campaign, Chief Inspector Lindsay James said: “The aim of the two week firearms surrender is to stop guns getting into the wrong hands. Every gun given up is one less that criminals can use.

“Licence holders can be reassured that these measures merely enhance their rights and privileges to own firearms, by removing illegal ones.

“Licence holders are also encouraged to use this amnesty to consider the surrender of weapons they no longer have a use for. It can also be used to get rid of firearms left by a family member who has died.

“Although year on year crime figures show that firearm crime has reduced in Thames Valley in the last three years, authorities believe that the change in legislation which came into effect on 14 July means a number of firearms will be held by people in innocence and ignorance of their illegality.

“It is important to emphasise that guns suspected to have previously been used in crimes, will be investigated.”

The period of surrender starts at 8am on Monday, November 24, until 10pm on Sunday December 7.

Weapons handed in to front counters will be forensically examined and information will be sent to National Ballistics Intelligence Service where appropriate.

In July, the maximum jail term for possessing an illegal gun increased from ten years to life.

Laws on antique firearms have also been tightened and anyone who has served or received a criminal sentence can no longer possess an antique gun.

The sentencing guidelines for possession for sale or transfer of an unauthorised firearm or ammunition have been raised too. This offence now carries a maximum penalty of life.

Firearms can be handed in at High Wycombe Police Station from 8am until 10pm over the two week period. Other nearby police stations includes Maidenhead and Slough.