Police are hosting weapon surrenders across Cumbria to make it a 'safer place to live'. 

Despite Cumbria having a lower number of weapon offences than other areas of the country, Cumbria Constabulary will be hosting two weeks of drop-offs for both firearms and also knives. 

The public will be able to hand in and unlawfully held or unwanted firearms, ammunition or other weapons as of May 12 - May 29. 

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Members of the public can also surrender items that have the potential to be converted such as antique guns, blank firing replicas and imitations.

Illegal possession of a firearm can mean five years behind bars and if you are found guilty of possession with intent to supply that can lead to a life sentence - with the risk of carrying a knife also bringing with it a potential four years in jail and a £5,000 fine. 

The knife surrender will run from May 16 - May 22.

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During the surrender periods, those handing over weapons will not face prosecution for the illegal possession, at the point of surrender, and can remain anonymous.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McColl, said: "Being in possession of a weapon means that it is more likely to be used – it is not worth the risk.

"No one wants to be involved in an incident involving a knife or a firearm as it can have a serious effect on people’s lives and, in the worst-case scenario, could be fatal. 

"I would urge anyone who has a potentially dangerous weapon in their home to surrender it to your local police station. 

"Let’s work together to make Cumbria an even safer place to live," he said. 

You can hand in firearms to both Carlisle and Penrith HQ stations between 9am and 1pm, as well as Whitehaven and Workington stations in West Cumbria. 

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