Islanders with unregistered firearms or unwanted dangerous weapons will be able to arrange their free collection and destruction during a month-long amnesty.

The Island-wide scheme, organised by the Constables Committee, will run from 1 to 30 November and cover firearms, ammunition, gun parts and weapons including knives, swords, axes, spear guns and pepper sprays.

People are being urged to phone a dedicated collection service rather than take weapons to parish halls or police stations.

Committee chair Constable Andy Jehan said the amnesty offered a safe, confidential and lawful way for people to surrender items they were no longer entitled to possess or no longer wished to keep.

“Importantly, the amnesty provides protection from prosecution for possession of an unregistered firearm or other weapon, firearm parts or ammunition where the purpose of possession is to surrender the item(s) under the amnesty,” he said.

Constable Jehan said people could find themselves with unwanted weapons following an inheritance, the closure of a collection or a change in personal circumstances.

“I would encourage anyone who wishes to make use of the amnesty throughout November,” he added.

BB guns, bows and arrows, and antique and decorative weapons will also be accepted. There will be no charge for surrendering items for destruction.

The initiative follows figures reported in 2025 showing that Jersey had more than 8,200 legal firearms – approximately one for every 12 residents – held under 1,096 firearms certificates.

At the time, then-Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat outlined proposed tighter controls on licensing while a full review of firearms legislation remained on hold. An amnesty was also being considered, subject to advice from the Attorney General.

The Constables Committee is now conducting a firearms review as part of the Parishes and Government Review, covering a new application form, fees and restrictions on air rifles above 12lb of muzzle energy.

Anyone wishing to surrender an item should call 07797 818495 during November to arrange safe collection by designated registered firearms dealers.

Islanders should follow the instructions provided and avoid handling, carrying or transporting weapons unnecessarily.

Items must not be taken to a parish hall, police station or another location unless specifically instructed.