Gun surrender initiative underway to prevent crime and save lives

Officers from the Serious Crime Division have continued to take a proactive approach to reducing the number of firearms in circulation in Greater Manchester.

Since 2023, it has taken 168 firearms off the streets as part of Operation Aztec.  

This has seen officers engage with local registered firearms dealers and gun clubs. GMP also speak with the National Gamekeepers network and attend shooting shows. 

Police are encouraging anyone with any firearms that they don’t need or use anymore, or have too many of, to hand them over at their local stations.

All of those who officers deal with are genuine certificate holders, who are thoroughly researched and visited to ensure they are abiding by the law. 

Police also engage with members of the public to surrender any firearms, ammunition, or imitation weapons they may possess, whether they have owned them for years, have found them during house moves or antiques they possess or inherit. 

Imitation firearms and antique weapons can cause fear in communities or can be used to commit crime, surrendering these items ensures they cannot be misused or lead to incidents around the city-region. 

Over the past four months, police have recovered 67 firearms which include handguns, shotguns and rifles. 

Anyone handing over a firearm or ammunition will not face prosecution for possession by officers. 

Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop from the Serious Crime Division said: “Every weapon handed in is one less that could be used to cause harm.  

“We know that some people may have firearms they no longer want or need, and this operation provides a safe and responsible way to dispose of them. 

“In 2025 we have seen a 38 per cent decrease in shootings across Greater Manchester, and recovered more firearms this year than we have at any point since 2020. 

“This is not just about reducing crime, it is about reducing the threat of potential serious injury or loss of life. If these firearms fall into the wrong hands, it can have devastating effects on lives and on our communities. 

“Anyone who possesses a firearm, whether it’s an antique, a replica, or a working weapon, to take this opportunity to hand it in. No questions will be asked about how you came to possess it – our priority is removing these items from circulation before they can be used to cause harm.”