Police have said ?thanks, but no thanks? to a church leader?s offer to help as an intermediary in the weapons amnesty.

Reverend Lorne Bean, of Bright Temple, Warwick, issued a plea to his congregation and to the general public to hand in firearms and other weapons to him, believing people would rather go to the church than to the Police.

Speaking on ZBM last night, Reverend Bean said some people might be reluctant to go to the authorities but might be willing to hand in their weapons where they are guaranteed confidentiality and anonymity.

He said he would, in turn, take the weapons to the Police.

More than 20 items have been handed in so far during the 28-day amnesty, including a rocket launcher casing, a semi-automatic handgun, flares, a machete and numerous replica weapons.

More than half-way into the amnesty ? which is due to finish on December 13 ? the flow of weapons being surrendered has slowed considerably, but Police spokesman Dwayne Caines is adamant that the public should still go through the proper channels.

?First of all, I would like to commend Rev. Bean on the efforts he is trying to make,? he told

?However, the Bermuda Police Service would like members of the public and the community to please use the Police stations to drop-off any prohibited weapons they may have in their possession.

?This is for reasons of safety. We want as few individuals as possible to come into contact with potentially deadly weapons.?

He added that if people did not want to bring weapons into the Police station, they could call the Police who would come and pick up the weapons.

The rocket launcher casing that was surrendered to Police last week was collected by officers after information given in an anonymous tip-off.

But Mr. Caines added: ?We would invite any members of the community who would like to find specific and targeted ways of working with the Police to contact the Community Beat Officers.?