A month long amnesty saw 32 Bruni blank‑firing weapons were recovered as a result of hand ins from the general public, registered gun clubs and even in one instance, a theatre company.
A further 35 blank‑firers from other manufacturers were also handed in, demonstrating the public’s commitment to reducing the risks associated with imitation firearms.
Of the firearms recovered over the last five years, 11 of them have been converted versions of the concerned brands. In the same time period, more than 125 of all the viable firearms we have recovered have been converted blank firers.
The campaign was launched after national assessments confirmed that five specific Bruni top and side venting blank‑firing firearms are readily convertible into viable, lethal weapons, making them illegal to own even if they were originally purchased lawfully.
Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop who leads GMP’s response to firearm recoveries said: “I would firstly like to thank everyone who has handed one of these firearms in, you have prevented these potentially deadly weapons from entering the wrong hands.
“These results show just how committed our communities are to keeping Greater Manchester safe. By working closely with venues and groups across the region – from gun clubs to a theatre company – we’ve been able to reach people who may not have realised these items are now illegal to own.
“The fact that 67 weapons were handed in, including 32 of the Bruni models is a significant success. Our fight against firearms and the threat that they pose to those who live and work in Greater Manchester will continue, and anyone who owns one of these weapons, along with any other firearms will be dealt with robustly.”
