Police ask firearms owners: “How secure are your guns?”

Over the last five years a total of 3296 licensed firearms and shotguns have been reported as stolen or lost. However, the annual number lost or stolen has fallen from 553 in 2009 to 415 in 2013.

Whilst this reduction shows the positive work by both the police and gun owners, and represents a tiny fraction of the number of lawfully held guns, one stolen or lost gun is still too many. This concern has led to an addition to the Home Office guidance that supports the police in making unannounced visits where there are concerns about security and risk.

National Policing Lead for Firearms and Explosives Licensing, Chief Constable Andy Marsh said:

“Our aim is not to catch out gun owners, which is why we are giving notice that these visits will be taking place. We want to work with the shooting community to ensure gun owners are aware of how to keep their firearms secure and, where appropriate, give advice to individual owners. I know that the vast majority of gun owners understand their responsibility to secure firearms and in the main take this very seriously, which allows their continued lawful use for work or leisure purposes.”

“A lost or stolen firearm could end up in the hands of criminals who would pose a clear threat to the public. We want to remind gun owners to check their security measures are up scratch so that they are not inadvertently putting people at risk.”

Certificate holders who are clearly not complying with security measures may face having their certificates revoked. However, this is the last resort and, where appropriate, support and advice will be provided.

Specific security advice can be found on the Home Office website. Local police firearms departments are also available to provide support and guidance to firearms owners.

Richard Ali, the Chief Executive of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) said:

“BASC supports the police in their efforts to help firearms certificate holders maintain the excellent record of safety and security in England and Wales. Where there is specific intelligence of threat, risk or harm then the police should act. This guidance provides that framework and ensures that the police provide a clear and reasoned explanation to the certificate holder at the time of the visit.”

Crimestoppers are also today launching a dedicated phone line to encourage members of the shooting community and the general public to report any concerns about legally held firearms.

Chief Constable Marsh said:

“The public and especially the shooting community can greatly assist the police in gathering intelligence and protecting our communities by being vigilant around firearms licensing. The shooting community is close, and will recognise sudden behavioural changes in fellow shooters that could cause concerns. However, they may not feel like they can act and the Crimestoppers hotline empowers people to voice concerns anonymously.

“If you are concerned that guns are being kept insecurely or notice signs that shooters may be vulnerable to criminal or terrorist groups or have shown sympathy towards extremist acts, please report it.”

Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said:

“The UK has some of the toughest gun laws in the world and I am determined to keep it that way. This campaign is an important reminder to certificate holders that it is essential that firearms and ammunition are stored securely and safely and kept out of criminal hands.”

“I would also encourage the public to report any concerns they have about firearms licence holders to the new, dedicated Crimestoppers helpline.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Chief Constable Andy Marsh will be available for interview on Monday 13th October.

If you are interested in arranging an interview or have any other questions around the operation, please contact Tim Malone on 02070848947 or tim.malone@acpo.pnn.police.uk for further details.

• Home Office firearms licensing guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/firearms-licensing-police-guidance
• The Crimestoppers dedicated phone line will be 0800 028 4010.
• The data on lost/stolen guns is pictured below:

National Firearms Licensing Management System:

• At year end March 2014 there were 1,837,243 shotguns and firearms on certificate. 3296 lost or stolen in five years represents 0.18% of licensed firearms.
• We would encourage editors to use these pictures or similar. Licensed firearms in the main are shotguns/rifles, etc and often portrayed as handguns which are not a true reflection.
• Police have been working with gun clubs delivering presentations and engaging, over the past year, an initiative for gun clubs to watch for signs behavioural changes or concerns in members and fellow shooters. The Crimestoppers campaign now helps to widen this engagement with the whole of the shooting community and public.

For more information contact

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk

The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and partner agencies, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in the United Kingdom. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, co-ordinates the strategic policing response.

ACPO’s 295 members consist of 213 chief police officers from the home forces of assistant chief constable rank (commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, plus 55 senior police staff members from the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Non home forces such as British Transport Police have 24 chief police officer members and there are three members from the Service Police.