A Dagenham man who ran a firearms conversion factory from his back garden has been jailed for 10 and a half years after converting blank-firing weapons into deadly firearms.
Sentencing and Charges
Luke Parr, 23, of Maxey Road, Dagenham, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, February 10, after pleading guilty to:
- Two counts of possession of a firearm
- Possession of ammunition
- Manufacturing firearms
Discovery of Firearms Factory
Parr was arrested on June 10, 2024, on suspicion of conspiracy to murder following a near-fatal shooting in Dagenham. While he was not ultimately charged for that incident, a search of his home uncovered a firearms workshop in his garden.
Police found:
- Two converted handguns ready for use
- Ammunition
- Equipment for converting blank-firing guns into working firearms
Weapons Used in Criminal Activity
Investigators discovered Parr was primarily converting Turkish-manufactured “top venting blank firers” (TVBFs)—a type of gun increasingly linked to serious crime, including murders across London and the UK. These guns, previously legal to own, have been found to be easily modified into lethal weapons using basic tools.
Police Warning and Firearms Amnesty
Detective Superintendent Tim Mustoe, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, warned about the ongoing risk posed by criminals who convert firearms:
“From a shed in his back garden, Parr was able to turn blank firers into guns that could be used to cause serious harm on the streets of London. It is right that he has been sentenced to a lengthy term in prison.”
He emphasized the importance of reducing the number of these weapons in circulation, urging people to surrender their blank-firing guns during an ongoing amnesty.
Firearms Amnesty – How to Hand in a Weapon
As part of a nationwide firearms amnesty, individuals in possession of Turkish-manufactured blank-firing guns can hand them in at designated police stations across London until February 28, 2025.
- No prosecution will follow if surrendered during the amnesty.
- Those found in possession after the amnesty could face up to 10 years in prison.
- Police will examine surrendered weapons to determine if they have been used in crimes.
Reporting Illegal Firearms
Anyone with information about illegal firearms activity is encouraged to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Removing illegal firearms from circulation could save lives.
