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Independent charity Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign across Kent to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal firearms, including converted weapons and 3D-printed guns, and to encourage people to share information safely and anonymously.
As part of a national push to tackle serious and violent crime, the campaign highlights how illegal weapons are finding their way into local communities and urges residents to speak up about what they know before more lives are put at risk.
In the year ending September 2025, serious violent crime continued to rise across England and Wales, with over 50,00 knife offences recorded and police forces responding to more than 17,000 firearms operations. Many of these weapons are converted or home-made, and each one increases the risk of devastating harm.
The campaign warns that:
Every illegal gun sold or converted endangers lives.
If you know someone making or supplying converted firearms, it’s vital to share that information.
Creating, downloading or sharing blueprints for a 3D-printed weapon is set to become a criminal offence
If you know someone producing, or planning to make a 3D-printed gun, speak up 100% anonymously.
Phil Breckon, Eastern Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers said:
“The illegal firearms trade puts innocent people at real risk. We know that criminals are finding new ways to get weapons onto our streets, through converted or 3D guns, and that’s incredibly dangerous.
“We understand that contacting police directly isn’t always easy, but that’s why Crimestoppers exists. You can tell us what you know about gun crime or violence completely anonymously. We’ll never ask who you are, your call or device can’t be traced, and no-one will ever know you made a report.
“The information you share could prevent a shooting, protect a victim, or even save a life.”
If you have information about someone involved in the making, selling or possession of illegal or converted firearms, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use our secure, anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Together, we can keep Kent safe from the threat of illegal guns and serious violence.
