Police encourage public to surrender TVBF guns during month long amnesty

Following a change in classification in August 2024, certain models of Turkish top-venting blank firing (TVBF) guns are now illegal to own.

Both individuals and organisations will be able to hand in their weapons during the amnesty period from three to 28 February and will not be prosecuted for possession of a prohibited weapon.

Imports into the UK of this type of gun were ceased in August. Local retailers have been advised to cease trading these devices as of October 2024, prior to the nationwide amnesty taking place during February 2025.

The reason for the ban is that some models have been found to be readily convertible to use live ammunition, making then potentially lethal.

The following ranges were found to fall into the ‘readily convertible’ category:  Retay, Ekol, Ceonic ISSC and Blow. These are now prohibited firearms.

Devon and Cornwall Police are inviting any owners of these guns to surrender them at their local police station. Work has been carried out with local retailers to ensure they are not available to purchase. 

Chief Inspector Alexander Cooper, said: “Gun crime in Devon and Cornwall is very low, but we remain proactive in keeping weapons off the streets. Members of the public in possession of this type of gun may not be aware that they are banned, hence the Firearms Amnesty, which will take place during February. 

“We urge anyone who owns one of these to hand it in to their local police station.

“By seeking to remove this type of gun from our streets, we aim to continue to keep the public of Devon and Cornwall safe. 

“Together with our partners we continually work hard to educate people about firearms and the dangers that come with them, to ensure that gun crime doesn’t become prevalent in the future.”

“After 28 February 2025 anyone found in possession of one of the listed guns may be prosecuted.”

Later in the year there will be a National Firearms Surrender where ALL firearms and ammunitions can be surrendered at local police stations.

For information about your local police station visit: dc.police.uk/peo 

For more information about gun law visit: Illegal firearms - National Crime Agency