Theft, loss or destruction of a firearm or shotgun

The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2018 came into force on 16 October 2018. 

Holders of a firearms and/or shotgun certificate are required to inform the chief officer of police, by whom the certificate was granted, as soon as reasonably practicable but within 7 days of:

• The theft, loss or destruction within Great Britain of the certificate; and
• The theft, loss, deactivation or destruction in Great Britain of any firearm, shotgun or ammunition to which the certificate relates.

How Condition 2 looks as of 16 October 2018

Firearm Certificate:

The holder of this certificate must inform the Chief Officer of Police by whom the certificate was granted as soon as reasonably practicable, but within 7 days of the theft, loss or destruction in Great Britain of the certificate and/or the theft, loss, deactivation or destruction of any firearms and/or the theft or loss of ammunition to which this certificate relates.

Shotgun Certificate:

The holder of this certificate must inform the Chief Officer of Police by whom the certificate was granted as soon as reasonably practicable, but within 7 days of the theft, loss or destruction in Great Britain of the certificate and/or the theft, loss, deactivation or destruction of any shotguns to which this certificate relates.

Contact the firearms licensing team.

Surrender a firearm

If you wish to surrender a firearm, shotgun or air rifle, please complete an online form and explain what you want to surrender in the detail box provided.

One of our team will contact you to make an appointment at an Enquiry Office of your choice where someone will be available to take the items from you for safe destruction.