More than 4,000 air weapons handed in so far under amnesty period
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Following the introduction of new licensing laws, more than 4,000 air weapons have been handed over to the police.
The highest number so far was in the north-east, where authorities received 530 weapons.
Under the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 anyone without a license or permit who has an air weapon will be committing a criminal offence from December 31 this year and could face a fine or up to two years in prison.
Chief inspector Richard Craig, Police Scotland, said: “The surrender campaign has only been active for less than two weeks however it is very encouraging that so many air weapons have been handed in here in the north east already.
“Every one of these weapons has the potential to cause serious injury or death, in particular to children or young people if handled incorrectly.
“There will be many lying around in homes across the north east unused and this is a great opportunity to get rid of them.”
It is estimated there are currently around half a million unlicensed air weapons in Scotland.
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