More than 30 firearms were handed in across Hertfordshire during a national amnesty held throughout February.

A total of 33 firearms were surrendered during the month-long campaign, including 21 Bruni branded Top-Venting Blank-Firing (TVBF) weapons. These particular firearms were the focus of the amnesty because they can be readily converted into viable, active firearms.

A further 12 weapons were also handed in, despite falling outside the specific amnesty criteria.

The initiative formed part of wider efforts by Hertfordshire Constabulary to reduce the number of weapons in circulation and keep communities safe.

Superintendent Clare Smith, who led the campaign, said: "We had a great response to this latest amnesty, managing to remove many of these types of potentially lethal weapons from circulation, along with other types of firearms. Fortunately, incidents involving firearms are uncommon in Hertfordshire and through our continuing work to reduce the numbers of guns and knives in public ownership, we can make sure our streets remain safe."

Police have reiterated that anyone with information about illegal firearms should contact officers via 101. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Firearms incidents remain rare in the county, but officers say proactive campaigns like this help prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands and provide a safe, legal way for people to dispose of unwanted firearms.

Residents in Hitchin and across North Herts are encouraged to continue supporting such initiatives to help keep local streets safe.

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