Grantham residents can give up their weapons in a surrender which begins today (Mon) as part of Operation Raptor - a dedicated campaign by Lincolnshire Police to tackle weapons offences.

So far, Operation Raptor has already seen more than 30 people arrested and over 30 weapons seized including knives, guns and baseball bats. A 13-year-old Grantham boy was arrested on October 23 on suspicion of possessing a weapon and has been released under investigation.

The weapons surrender started today and in the coming weeks police will be taking further robust action to tackle offenders, while Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be engaging with schools and communities to provide education on the dangers and potential consequences of carrying weapons.

Superintendent Lee Pache said: "Offences involving weapons can have, and have had, a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.

"Lincolnshire is a safe county and we want it to remain that way. We're determined to take weapons off the streets and protect the public, while also encouraging people to report offences to us and working with communities to inform them on the dangers of these types of crimes."

While Lincolnshire remains one of the safest counties to live in the country, there has been a rise locally in weapons offences. This reflects a broader national increase.

For instance, figures published last month showed that the average number of incidents per 100,000 people in Lincolnshire involving knives stood at 35 - a 15 per cent increase, year-on-year. In England and Wales during the year to June 2019, there was a 16 per cent increase in possession of weapons offences.

By surrendering any unlicensed or unwanted weapons, members of the public can make sure that they do not potentially fall into the hands of criminals.

Detective Inspector Mark Seage said: "We understand that every weapon poses a potential threat if not licensed and stored safely. That's why we're offering people this opportunity to safely dispose of any unwanted weapons.

"One less weapon means one less opportunity for it to fall into the wrong hands."

Although Operation Raptor is focused on tackling the issue in the west of Lincolnshire, anyone in the county can take their weapons to Grantham police station.

Among the items which can be handed in are knives, firearms, BB guns, tasers, CS canisters, knuckle dusters, crossbows. Imitation or replica weapons can also be handed in.

During this period, those giving up weapons will not face prosecution for illegal possession at the point of surrender, and they can remain anonymous.

However, as this is a surrender and not an amnesty, police may investigate offences once the operation has concluded.

You should contact police immediately if you know that someone else has a weapon illegally or are concerned about someone in possession of any weapon, even if they have a licence.

In an emergency dial 999, and if you don't want to give your name you can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

HOW TO HAND IN YOUR WEAPON

You can take your item to Grantham, Boston, Skegness, Lincoln and Police Stations providing it is packaged and bagged safely and appropriately. Check this website for opening times https://www.lincs.police.uk/contact/police-stations/ There is no need to call ahead unless you have queries or concerns about your weapon or the process of handing it in. If you are elderly, infirm or without transport, police will attend your home. Call 101. Do not attempt to bring items that might be unstable, eg a hand grenade. Call 101 for advice. If someone is unable to travel to a police station they should contact police via 101 and arrange for the firearm/weapon to be collected.