'There continues to be strong demand for these weapons': Lincolnshire Police to hold four-week firearms amnesty
Lincolnshire Police will hold a four-week firearms amnesty next month aimed at removing a number of illegal blank-firing weapons from circulation.
The amnesty will run from February 2 to February 27 and focuses on five specific BRUNI-manufactured top-venting blank firers (TVBFs).
Police warn anyone found in possession of one of the specified weapons after the amnesty could face prosecution and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Top-venting blank firers can legally be purchased in the UK by over-18s without a licence, provided they are not readily convertible. However, testing by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and police has shown that the following BRUNI models can be easily converted into lethal firearms and are therefore illegal to own:
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ blank firing self-loading pistol
- .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single-action blank firing revolver
In their original form, TVBFs have a fully blocked barrel and are designed to fire only blank cartridges, with gases venting from the top of the weapon. They are sold with at least 50 per cent of their surface painted a bright colour, but criminals have been known to paint them black to resemble real firearms before converting them.
More than 70 Bruni-manufactured devices have been recovered nationally following their use in criminal offences, with law enforcement data showing that at least five homicides since 2023 involved converted TVBFs.
Firearms legislation has not changed and the weapons remain illegal under the Firearms Act 1968 because they can be readily converted using common household tools. Police are urging anyone who owns one of the specified weapons to hand it in during the amnesty to avoid prosecution and prevent it falling into the wrong hands.
Officers say many of the weapons may be held innocently, with owners unaware they are illegal or having forgotten they are in their possession. The amnesty allows them to be surrendered safely at a police station, anonymously and without fear of prosecution.
During a similar amnesty in February 2025, Lincolnshire Police received 16 blank-firing weapons, 10 of which were found to be illegal.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael Wilding said: “Gun crime in Lincolnshire remains very rare, but we are not complacent.
"We are supporting this national amnesty after tests showed these weapons can be readily converted into firearms, making them illegal to possess.
“Surrendering them now will help prevent them being used by criminals in the future.”
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for criminal use of firearms, said the weapons were attractive to criminals because of the profits they could generate once converted.
He added: “There continues to be strong demand for these weapons and we will be relentless in pursuing those who pose such a risk to our communities.”
Top-venting blank firers can be handed in at any police station. Anyone transporting a weapon is advised to keep it out of sight, travel directly to the station, and inform staff on arrival before presenting the item. Advice can also be sought by calling 101 before travelling.
Anyone with information about illegal firearms activity is urged to contact police, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.