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NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY URGES VIGILANCE AMONG FIREARM RETAILERS
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has released its annual National Strategic Assessment, painting a detailed picture of the persistent threats posed by serious and organised crime (SOC) in the UK. Amidst these findings, the NCA has issued a specific call to licensed firearm dealers, urging increased vigilance when handling firearms certificates to help thwart these criminal activities.
Graeme Biggar CBE, director general of the NCA, expressed ongoing concerns about the impact of SOC, stating, “I wrote last year that serious and organised crime causes more harm, to more people, more often than any other national security threat. Much has changed since then, yet this uncomfortable fact remains true. SOC continues to threaten our security, our economic prosperity and the safety of the public we serve: no parts of society are immune to the efforts of organised crime gangs, cybercriminals, fraudsters or those who sexually abuse children.”
Despite the UK’s low levels of firearms crime compared to global standards, the landscape of criminal threats involving firearms is evolving. While the total number of firearms offences recorded in England and Wales showed a slight increase this year, this was partially attributed to the misclassification of offences involving “gel blasters” — non-lethal toys previously recorded as imitation firearms.
Firearms crimes typically involve the use of weapons to threaten or maintain criminal status, with lethal firearms discharges accounting for about one -tenth of all firearms offences. The majority of these incidents occur in specific regions such as London, the West Midlands and the North West and are often linked to disputes within the drugs trade, “turf wars” or criminal debts.
The report also highlighted the adaptability of criminals in sourcing and modifying weapons. Many criminals convert blank-firing weapons to fire live ammunition, utilise improvised or homemade firearms, and show increasing interest in 3D-printed firearms, although confirmed cases of their use remain rare.
GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTING ILLEGALLY HELD FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
If you have concerns regarding illegally held firearms or ammunition, or encounter suspicious attempts to purchase these items, you are urged to report these issues to local police. For non-emergencies, dial 101, and in situations where there is an immediate risk of harm or danger, call 999. For those who prefer to stay anonymous, you can report your concerns to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
Members of the licensed firearms community are encouraged to diligently inspect firearm, shotgun and registered firearms dealer certificates. Pay particular attention to security features to confirm the authenticity of these documents. Detailed guidance on what security features to look for is provided by scanning the QR code. If you suspect a certificate is not genuine, refuse the sale and contact your firearms licensing department or the police.
Retailers dealing in blank-firing firearms and blank ammunition should adhere to best practices recommended by the NCA and other trade organisations. Ensure that:
• Each purchaser provides a valid proof of identity before completing a sale.
• The details of the purchaser are recorded, complying with the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Serial numbers of the firearms are documented, if available.
• All transactions are conducted through card payments, not cash.
These measures are designed to enhance security and accountability, reducing the risk of firearms being acquired for unlawful purposes and supporting broader efforts to combat serious and organised crime.
The ongoing efforts of the NCA, coupled with the cooperation of licensed firearms dealers, are crucial in the collective endeavour to safeguard the public and curb the threats posed by serious and organised crime in the UK.