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Police are urging all owners of legally held firearms in Northern Ireland to ensure that their firearms are properly secured.

Although the number of thefts of firearms in Northern Ireland between 1^st April 2006 to 2^nd February 2007 has decreased from 66 to 40 compared to the same period last year, police have issued advice following a number of recent thefts. 

In order to prevent these crimes, police would advise all owners to review their firearms security. Crime Prevention Inspector David Connery said ”A few practical steps would ensure that all firearms are stored safely and securely”

Inspector Connery continued “Owners will see from their current firearm certificate, and as laid down in the Firearms Order (NI) 2004, that they are required to secure all their firearms and ammunition in an approved gun cabinet that has been manufactured to the correct standard.  Considerable thought also needs to be given to the appropriateness of its location.  The certificate further requires those who hold bolt-action rifles to store the bolt separately”.

This is the minimum standard required, and depending on other factors such as the location and construction of the property, and the number and types of guns held, owners may need to take additional security measures.

Keeping the keys to your gun cabinet in a secure place, without a label and away from the cabinet itself is just one very practical step to prevent guns from being stolen.

Anyone who would like further advice on Firearms Security is asked to contact their local Crime Prevention Officer or Firearms Enquiry Officer on 0845 600 8000.

Safety advice is also provided on your firearms certificate. Additional information can be found in the Guidance on Northern Ireland Firearms Controls published by the Northern Ireland Office which can be viewed by visiting the NIO website at www.nio.gov.uk