A RISE in gun crime in Essex has prompted a police firearms amnesty, allowing dangerous weapons to be taken off the streets without fear of prosecution.The amnesty runs from 8am today (Monday, October 31) until 5pm on Friday, November 11 and encourages people to hand in guns that fire live ammunition as well as replicas, imitation weapons, air weapons and BB guns.The number of offences involving firearms in Essex has risen from 700 in 2013/14 to 806 in 2015/16 .The number of firearms seized in Essex increased between 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 and although the number has fallen since, it is still higher than three years ago.Weapons can be surrendered at front counters at the police stations in Basildon, Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, Grays and Southend.Those wishing to surrender are advised to call ahead on 101 so they can be advised on how best to transport the item.
