Firearms amnesty launched by Manx police

People have been given the opportunity to hand in firearms and other weapons as part of a three-week amnesty.

The Isle of Man Constabulary programme runs until Monday 2 February, with the force encouraging people to come forward without the treat of prosecution for having them.

Four locations on the island have been designated to receive items such as illegally held guns, ammunition, crossbows, knives, and swords, as well as air guns and imitation firearms.

A spokeswoman for the force said surrender initiatives were designed to "reduce the risk of firearms and weapons being lost, stolen or used in criminal activity".

"They also provide reassurance for individuals who may be in possession of a weapon without criminal intent and wish to dispose of it responsibly," she said.

People choosing not to renew a firearms licence could also "take advantage" of the amnesty, she said, to surrender unwanted items.

Under the amnesty, however, the history of each item handed in would be checked she said, and if following examination it was "believed to have previously been used in a crime or is subject to a current investigation" prosecution would still be considered.

"The surrender does not provide immunity from prosecution for the life of the weapon," she added.

Under the initiative, items can be handed in at Police Headquarters in Douglas, as well as the police stations in Ramsey, Peel, and Castletown.

In 2023, more than 100 firearms were surrendered in a similar operation.

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