People from across Lincolnshire can now hand in any weapons as part of an amnesty.

This is part of Operation Raptor which was launched at the end of 2019 to help reduce offences involving weapons on the west of the county.

After 150 weapons were either seized or handed in to the police as part of the operation, it was extended across the county and reducing weapons in circulation remains a priority.

This amnesty sees secure bins at our police stations in Lincoln, Grantham, Boston, Skegness and Spalding and these will remain in place until 18th December.

The amnesty means that people can deposit weapons or imitations in these bins and remain completely anonymous – there will be no questions asked or repercussions.

The amnesty doesn't apply to firearms as checks need to be made to ensure one was legitimately held. If you wish to surrender a firearm or have come across one, please either call 101 or you can speak with the front desk at any of the participating stations.

By handing in an item that could be considered a weapon, people can ensure that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

Detective Inspector Dave Harrop says:

"Lincolnshire is an incredibly safe place but we still take every opportunity to reduce the number of weapons in the county.

"We hope that this amnesty will take even more out of circulation that could have otherwise been used in violence or to intimidate.

"If you're wondering if a weapon can go in the bin or not, the rule is if it doesn't go bang it can go in the can.

"This is just part of Operation Raptor, and we are constantly working to prevent crimes involving weapons, educate our county's young people about the dangers and consequences, and where suitable, to rehabilitate those that been involved in carrying weapons."

Items that have previously been handed in to the police or seized through stop searches and targeted enforcement include.

• Knives
• Firearms
• BB guns
• Tasers
• CS canisters
• Knuckle dusters
• Crossbows

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 please call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

How to hand in your weapon

You can take it to Boston, Skegness, Lincoln, Spalding, or Grantham police station. The bins are located within the reception areas and there is no need to speak with anyone – unless it is regarding a firearm. 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. Please call 101. Do not attempt to bring items that might be unstable, e.g. a hand grenade. Call 101 for advice. Q&As:

What is the difference between a weapons surrender and a weapons amnesty?

This amnesty is specially aimed at removing weapons from communities – it will not be used as an opportunity to investigation anyone who takes part in this and there will be no questions asked. An amnesty applies only at the point of surrender, not for any offences committed prior to the surrender. A surrender works differently and is the process we are applying to firearms during the amnesty. Weapons surrenders allow law enforcement to examine the history and use of firearms. Any possession or use of the firearm prior to its surrender may therefore legitimately be considered for investigation or prosecution. With a surrender, any criminal use of a firearm will be examined and acted upon. Will I get into trouble for surrendering a weapon that isn't a firearm?

No, as part of the amnesty no one will be prosecuted.

What will happen to all the weapons handed in?

All weapons will be destroyed.