If you want to hand over a (found) weapon, you must adhere to strict regulations. Freising's chief of police explains what those affected have to consider.
County - If you want to hand over a (found) weapon, you must adhere to strict regulations. Otherwise there is a risk of complaint and criminal proceedings. Ernst Neuner, head of the Freising police, explains how those affected behave best and what they have to avoid if possible so that it does not end badly.
Mr. Neuner, how often are weapons released every year?
In our area there were 33 weapons last year. So far, we have received 26 weapons this year.
What are the weapons mostly?
Very rarely are sharp firearms in the form of pistols or rifles. In most cases, it is about airsoft weapons, PTB weapons (i.e., shotgun pistols) and air pressure weapons.
Mostly loft finds or heritage weapons
Where are they come from?
As a rule, these are loft finds or heritage weapons. Classic case: the owner of a weapon dies and bequeaths the good piece to a descendant. Or the family member finds them at the house clearing out. Weapons from the Second World War are still dormant in older buildings. Only in exceptional cases do owners hand over their gun because they no longer have any use for it.
Where can the weapons be left?
They can be handed over to the local arms authority in the district office or to the police.
What needs to be considered?
If you do not have a permit to carry a weapon, you cannot easily transport it. The weapon must be in a stable, lockable container. It must be disassembled and the magazine emptied. And one thing is very important: If you come to the police unannounced, you have to tell us at the door that you have a gun with you and want to hand it over. If someone in the area suddenly pulls out a pistol, it can be misinterpreted and end badly.
Beware of deaths
Are there any other pitfalls?
Yes. In the event of death, someone who finds a weapon should pay attention to what its value is before it is disposed of. Otherwise he can get problems with possible heirs.
What happens if someone does not adhere to the instructions you illustrate - that is, simply brings the weapon to you as he found it?
A person who does not have a gun license must automatically be brought to trial for violating the Gun Act - even if the person actually means it well. In such a case, the chances are good that the public prosecutor will close the case, but it does not have to be. I always compare it to the car. When a descendant sees a vehicle in the garage, it does not simply drive away if he does not have a driver's license.
Call the police
What do you advise?
The most important message is that anyone who finds a weapon, explosives or ammunition should simply call the police. We then head to the location and take care of it. Then there is no disadvantage for the good finder, and everyone is on the safe side.
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