BASC: Gun ownership not linked to gun crime

Thursday, 23, Nov 2006 12:00

For more details contact Colin Shedden or James Scott 01350 723226

Gun crime has plummeted in Scotland in the last decade, while private ownership of guns has steadily increased.

New figures released by the Scottish Executive show that gun crime has fallen by 6% in the last year ( 2005-2006) and is 28 % lower than 9 years ago 1996-1997, whilst private firearms ownership in Scotland is at a five-year high. The figures also reveal a 5% improvement in the clear up rate of gun crime.

Better identification of firearms used in crime has also resulted in a 26% reduction in the number of unidentified firearms used. This improvement in identification has contributed to an apparent 2% increase in the use of shotguns in crime and a 15% increase in air weapons offences.

Dr. Colin Shedden, director BASC Scotland, commented: “These figures are a clear indication that there is no correlation between private firearms ownership and gun crime in Scotland. We are pleased that new recording methods give a more accurate breakdown of the types of firearms used in crime, but we are alarmed that there has been a 7% increase in the use of pistols in crime. The private ownership of pistols was banned in 1997 on the basis that such measures would reduce gun crime”

ENDS

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