BASC: Airgun crime falls by 45% in Scotland
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
9:58 AM
BASC Scotland today welcomed official figures which show the number of offences involving airguns has dropped from 427 in 2009/10 to 233 in 2010/11. This follows a strong downward trend in offences over a five year period showing a decline of 66% in the number of offences since 2006/07.
Nicolle Hamilton of BASC Scotland said:
“We congratulate the Government and the police on these welcome statistics showing that crimes involving firearms are at their lowest in a decade. At a time when legitimate and law-abiding target shooters and pest controllers are being threatened with a potentially costly licensing scheme, the news that airgun crime has reduced by 45% in the past year alone is to be applauded. It clearly demonstrates that the existing extensive legislative powers the police have to catch criminals misusing these guns are working and a bureaucratic licensing scheme is completely unnecessary. Airguns are a vital part of target shooting and pest control in Scotland and the overwhelming majority are used sensibly, lawfully and responsibly.”
ENDS
For more information please call Nicolle Hamilton on 07792 235343 or the BASC press office on 01244 573031.
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