Lancashire Constabulary is calling for firearms owners to make sure that their guns are being kept securely as officers begin a series of unannounced home visits.
Police officers in Lancashire, as well as across the country, have begun visiting firearms owners to speak with them about security and crime prevention.
Nationally over the last five years, a total of 3,296 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.
While this reduction highlights the positive work of 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.
It is this concern which has led to a change in the Home Office guidance that now allows police to make unannounced visits where there are concerns about security and risk.
Chief Insp. Richard Blackburn, Firearms Licensing Manager at Lancashire Constabulary, said: “We’re not trying to catch out gun owners, which is why we are giving notice that these visits will be taking place.
“We want to work together with the shooting community to encourage people to keep their guns secure and give crime prevention advice where appropriate.
“A lost or stolen firearm could end up in the hands of criminals who would pose a clear threat to the public.
“This is why we are carrying out these visits. We want to make sure people who own a gun have strong security measures in place and safety around firearms is upheld.”
