More than 400 unregistered, illegal or unwanted firearms have been surrendered to South Australian Police and firearms dealers in the first month of an amnesty.

The breakdown of police data shows most of the weapons were taken to police stations with two thirds of the weapons surrendered outside metropolitan Adelaide.

The amnesty runs until June 30, 2016.

Superintendent Kym Hand said police were pleased with the first month’s data.

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“We know that more than half of all firearms stolen come from rural areas, so we are particularly pleased that the community outside Adelaide has responded in this way,” he said.

“Now that the seasonal holiday period is coming to a close, we encourage the community to consider the opportunity the amnesty presents.

“Any registered gun owner that has firearms, firearms parts or ammunition that are no longer used is urged to hand them in to a participating dealer or police station during the period of the amnesty.”

Possessing an unregistered or illegal firearm can attract fines of up to $50,000 or 10 years’ jail.

Gun dealers who are assisting with the amnesty are accepting weapons on behalf of police, holding the firearms to allow owners to obtain licences and are buying surrendered items from people who have a firearms licence.