Firearms and dangerous weapons amnesty to open

People are being encouraged to surrender unwanted weapons in a month-long amnesty.

From 1 November, people in Jersey can cede firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons without fear of prosecution if they are not registered, project leaders said.

Connétable Andy Jehan, head of the Comité des Connétables, said it was a safe opportunity to dispose of weapons islanders were no longer entitled to possess or wished to keep.

Dangerous weapons include: knives, bullets, axes, swords, spear guns, BB guns, bows and arrows; while maces, pepper sprays, antique and decorative weapons would also be accepted, organisers said.

Anyone wishing to surrender an unwanted firearm, dangerous weapon, firearms part or ammunition should phone 07797 818495 during November to arrange the safe collection by designated registered firearms dealers.

Jehan said they should follow the instructions provided and should not handle, carry or transport the item unnecessarily.

He emphasized weapons should not be taken to a parish hall, police station or other place unless a specific instruction was made.

There is no cost to members of the public for the surrender and destruction of firearms or other weapons under the amnesty, he added.

An Freedom of Information (FoI) response from the Government of Jersey said as of 11 June 2024 there were 1,162 active licences and 8,378 firearms and component parts on the island.

Jehan added there was a firearms review under way which would introduce a new application form, an assessment of the fees and a reduction in air rifle pressure.

The reduction would be introduced to prohibit owning and importing an air rifle above 12lb of muzzle energy, which was the standard pressure used when competing in air rifle clubs, he explained.

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