Thieves and firearms

Gun Law and Crime in the UK

The UK has some of the strictest gun laws in the whole world. If you want to own a gun, the law makes it very difficult to do so and you will be subject to stringent controls. This of course is bad news to the thief, as possessing a gun legally is not as simple as it sounds.

Gun laws exist to try and avert terrible tragedies such as the recent Northumberland and Cumbrian shootings by Raoul Moat and Derrick Bird respectively in 2010, the 1987 Hungerford killings by Michael Ryan and the Dunblane massacre in 1996 committed by Thomas Hamilton.

However, even with stringent laws, these individuals managed to carry out their evil crimes.

During 2007, nine young people lost their lives in shootings, 11-year-old Rhys Jones in Liverpool was one of them. There were 59 firearms related murders in 2006 -2007, compared with 49 in the 2005 – 2006. That represents an 18% rise in just one year.

There were 507 serious injuries from firearms, that’s more than one incident a day. However, the trend in gun crime overall has been going down. This indicates that even with atrocities like these, the UK has one of the lowest rates of gun-related murders in the world. This is a figure that is four times lower than the USA, for example.

What are the Gun Laws in the UK?

In England and Wales, firearms and guns are subject to controls under the Firearms Act 1968, which has been amended several times in response to tragedies like Hungerford and Dunblane.

In Northern Ireland, the laws are covered by the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 and are slightly more relaxed. In Scotland, gun laws are a bit more stringent due to the Dunblane murders, and they are subject to the Scotland Act 1998. This is under review with a view to tightening up the laws further to include legislation for air rifles which have been responsible for an alarming increase in misuse in recent years.

Any person who owns a firearm must hold a relevant certificate to prove that they are a suitable person to possess a weapon. There are two types of certificate that can be issued: a Shotgun Certificate or a Firearms Certificate.

Firearms or Shotgun Certificate?

There are some differences between the two certificates and the processes which an individual needs to go through in order to be granted one of them. A Firearms Certificate is generally harder to obtain because you have to explain why you need the weapon and justify your case for owning it.

Firearms Licences are normally only issued if the person applying can show that they have a genuine sporting or work-related reason for owning a weapon.

Shotguns are treated differently because there is the stance that, in the UK, anyone is theoretically entitled to own a shotgun as they are traditionally used for hunting and pest control purposes.

Shotguns (Section 2 Firearms under the 1968 Act as amended) are defined in UK law as ‘smoothbore’ firearms with barrels not shorter than 24 inches (60 cm) and a bore not larger than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, no revolving cylinder, and either no magazine or a non-detachable magazine that is not capable of holding more than two cartridges’. They are subject to slightly less rigorous checks and an individual can own as many shotguns as they like, as long as they can prove that they have safe storage capacity for all of them.

What are the regulations?

In order to obtain one of these documents, you need to apply to your local police station. The Police keep a register of all the firearms owners in the area. They hold details of the make, model and serial number of all weapons and they carry out checks to ensure that the person in control of the weapon is of sound character and has no previous criminal convictions, such as theft or burglary.

Anyone who has received a conviction of a sentence over three years will be disqualified for life from owning a gun or other weapon and ammunition. Anyone with a lesser conviction will be banned for 5 years.

The certificate holder must show that the weapons are kept in a secure, locked cupboard or storage area and they will need to apply every 5 years for a new certificate, giving two good character references.

They also need to produce a statement by their GP to confirm that they are fit to own a gun. A Firearms Enquiry Officer must also inspect the premises where the gun or weapon is kept. Once all these conditions can be satisfied, a licence will be granted.

Keep safe from the distraction burglar

Distraction Burglaries

This underhanded crime is performed by tricksters and fraudulently presenting individuals or groups, who attempt to deceive home occupiers into letting them enter a property.

Con artists use different methods (e.g. posing as an official or tradesperson) to attempt in entering homes or property. Once successfully inside, thieves are looking to perpetrate a burglary. Those who experience this kind of distressing crime can experience physical injuries and symptoms, as well as those on an emotional level.

Physical force to enter a property is worryingly on the increase and criminals often intimidate older people who are sometimes more vulnerable to trespass. Members from this group of society can often by highly impacted by the theft of valuable possessions, which sadly can lead to deaths within the elderly population. These are occasionally triggered by a negative health reaction from the resulting mental or physical trauma that is experienced by the individual.

As the typical age of a person who is the unwilling participant within a distraction burglary is around 80 years old, it is important to safeguard yourself if you reside in this age bracket. For those who have older friends, relatives and neighbours, ensuring they are armed with information and help to keep protected is absolutely vital.

If there is an unexpected visitor at the front door, remember they could be a bogus caller. If you’re not expecting them, you are always entitled to leave the door closed, it is your property. Follow the advice in our bogus caller information by checking the person’s identity directly with the organisation they claim to represent. Remember, do not use any contact numbers given to you by the caller, they could be false.

Safeguard yourself and property

Follow these further tips to protect against a potential distraction burglary:

• Consider safeguarding extremely valuable items within a safe or other protected storage area. Try not to store sizeable amounts of cash within your property, it is more secure when properly banked.

 

• By ensuring your windows are closed and locked you can prevent unwanted entry from the caller or any accomplices, whilst they attempt to distract you.

 

• Doors should also be secured properly with adequate locks and chains. Remember, always puts the chain on before you open the door, this will not offend genuine callers. Always keep in mind, Stop, Chain, Check. If you’re not sure of the caller, simply do not answer the door. If the callers are valid visitors then it is likely they will call back again with a formal appointment.

 

• Many utility companies, other organisations or businesses now use a password scheme. This secured system means that anyone who calls at the door should be able to give you a password that you have already chosen or been made aware of. If a caller can’t supply it, be highly suspicious. Remember those who claim to be visiting from the ‘water board’ are probably lying, this is an out of date term that is only used by fake visitors.

 

• Those criminals engaged in distraction burglaries will often operate together in groups. So, always make sure that where one person enters your property, the door is then closed and secured after they access your home. This can then prevent other burglars working in a team from covertly creeping through an opened doorway.

 

• Get in touch with a close neighbour, family member or friend in the area by telephone and ask them to support you to ascertain the identity of any callers before the door is opened. ‘Nominated neighbour schemes’ exist in some parts of the UK, which can also help. Police forces in your area can put you in touch with any that could be local.

 

• Finally, be on your guard if a visitor to your doorstep is seeking any assistance. Perhaps they are claiming a glass of water is needed, a lost ball needs retrieving, or other similar excuse to gain entry within your property. If you feel able to offer any help to the caller, ensure this is always done via a secured door that has not been opened. You can also decide to ask a neighbour, friend or family member to assist you further.

  If there is any concern around your safety, never hesitate to call the police, using ’999′.

Stay safe with a panic or personal alarm

Panic Alarms or Personal Alarms

Many people in the UK fear becoming the target of mugging, assault or abuse when they are out at night in particular, and the fear can rise as the person gets older.

Almost a third of all over 50’s have such a fear that they do not go out at night and this figure rises to almost 50% in the over 70’s age bracket. Many people are now carrying ‘panic’ or personal safety alarms when they are out, they can be useful during the day or night and can give that little extra peace of mind if you are nervous about being out at any time of day. Some people may feel unsafe at home so there are different kinds of alarms that can be of use to them.

What is a panic alarm?

A panic alarm is an electronic device that can be portable or fixed in the home. They can be triggered by the press of a button, when someone fears for their safety, in various situations. Depending on the type of alarm, a loud siren or tone will be emitted or a signal will be sent remotely to a monitoring or central control centre.

Who are they suitable for?

Panic alarms are suitable for many people, especially those who fear being attacked and want something to use in self-defence. For example, people who have to work on their own, travel on public transport, have to walk in the dark to get home or have to take money to the bank regularly may like to consider carrying a personal panic alarm.

For people who fear for their safety in the home, there are different types of alarm that would be more suitable.

Types of panic alarm and uses

There are various designs of affordable, portable panic alarms available. They can be battery operated or work by using an ‘aerosol’ or gas canister. Electronic alarms have the benefit of being small and easy to carry about and some can be clipped to a belt or door handle. There are even wrist watch ‘style’ personal attack alarms available that can be worn discreetly.

Gas alarms have similar benefits and are a good option if you don’t want to have to remember to change batteries. Before you choose, make sure you are happy with how it operates, e.g. is it a push button, do you need to pull a pin out, can you throw it down to set it off etc. Make sure that it is really loud – the idea is to deter an attacker and give you time to escape because you can’t rely on people helping you or calling the police, especially in isolated areas.

For people who have concerns for their safety at home, a panic alarm can be physically installed in the property. Some can be operated by a panic code or button on a control pad; others can be set by remote control.

Some just set an alarm off that alerts neighbours or passers by, but the most effective ones are linked to a control centre that monitors the alarm. Operators can rapidly assess the situation and send appropriate help out. You would have to pay to have this type of system installed as well as a monthly service fee.

Prevent your pet from being stolen

Stolen Pets: Things you can do to prevent this happening

British people are known around the world for their love of animals. Our pets really are part of our family. How would you feel if your beloved pet went missing or was stolen? It doesn’t bear thinking about, so here are some tips on how to avoid this ever happening to you.

Sensible precautions should be taken whatever type of pet you own, but for more valuable animals like horses, dogs and koi fish you should take additional measures to safeguard them.

Dogs

1. Keep your dog on a lead when you are out. Make sure it has a collar on with an identity tag attached. Ensure that you have micro chipped your dog and registered it with a vet. Train your dog to return to you immediately, when you call it.

2. Dog thefts are on the increase. Rare and valuable breeds are particular targets and are often stolen to order on the ‘black market’ so do not leave them tied up outside, even for 5 minutes. There are also less professional thieves about that just take the opportunity to steal your dog whether it is valuable or not.

These types of thefts are usually carried out by thieves just wanting very quick money, perhaps to feed a drug habit. To avoid any sort of theft when you are out walking, avoid known crime hotspots, vary your walk, i.e. don’t stick to the same route and take a mobile phone with you so you can call for assistance in an emergency.

3. Make sure that you have good quality, up-to-date photos of your dog in case they are needed for identification purposes

4. Always know where your dog is at all times. Try not to leave the dog outside on its own for any lengthy periods of time, even if it is in your own garden. If you must leave your dog in the garden, then make sure that all fencing is secure and that any gates are shut and kept locked. If you are opening the gate to your garden (or the door to your house) and you know that the dog will be waiting behind it, make sure you open it slowly and watch that the dog does not run away as the door is opened.

5. Consider placing your dog’s details on an internet-based pet register. They can help you if the dog is stolen or goes missing.

Horses

Much of the above applies to horses, but also consider the following:

1. ‘Freeze marking’ a horse is a very good and visible way of identifying your animal and is very difficult for a thief to conceal. You can also postcode the horse’s hooves, but this needs renewing as the hoof grows.

2. Make sure all fencing around the horse’s field is secure and that gates are locked and chained. Make the stable yard as secure as possible, restrict access to outsiders and think about putting up motion sensitive security lights and/or CCTV. Mark all property and tack.

3. Don’t leave a head harness on the horse when it is in its field because this makes it easier to be caught and stolen. Vary the times you move your horse about so that a thief is unsure of your routine.

4. Make sure you have plenty of good quality photos of your horse, especially of any unusual features or markings, so that it can be readily identifiable if it is stolen.

5. Consider joining a local ‘horsewatch’ scheme, or maybe start one up if there isn’t one in your area.

Koi Carp

Koi fish can be extremely valuable so they should be protected as much as possible from thieves who will steal the fish to order.

1. Keep your garden as secure as possible and consider installing motion-sensitive CCTV and/or security lights in the garden.

2. If you buy expensive equipment, dispose of the packaging/boxes very carefully. If you leave them out by your bin, it advertises the fact that you own valuable fish.

3. Be careful if you join specialist koi internet forums, don’t give your address out to anyone as they will know that you own prized fish and it could attract unwanted visitors.

Practical steps to take after theft

What to do after a theft

If you have been the unfortunate victim of a crime where something has been stolen, it can be quite a distressing, anxious and stressful time. Therefore, it is quite understandable that it could be more difficult than normal to try and remember everything you need to do.

Being the victim of any sort of theft is a very traumatic experience and can be very upsetting for quite a while after the event. Try to stay calm because there are people who can help if this does happen to you.

Car Theft

If your car is stolen, call the police. This is not considered to be an emergency (unless you were attacked or injured as it was being stolen) so you should telephone or go straight to your local police station to report it. Make sure you get a crime reference number from the police. This will be needed by your insurance company.

Call your insurance company. They will open up a claim for you and they will explain to you what will happen next. Make sure you have the vehicle details to hand as well as a list of any items that were in the car when it was stolen.

If you have a lease on the car, then you should notify the company that leased the vehicle to you.

Stolen Wallet, Purse or Handbag

Call your bank immediately and report your cards as being stolen. Make sure you know what telephone number to call, so write it down and keep it in a safe place. Also keep a list of the numbers to call to report any lost credit cards, loyalty cards, library cards etc that were in the wallet or purse.

Report the theft to your local police station by either telephoning or visiting the station. Give as much details as possible of the colour, shape etc of wallet, purse or bag description of thief, where it happened etc.

Burglary

If you find you have been burgled, do not touch anything. Report the incident to the police straight away. If you have insurance, telephone the insurance provider for advice. Make a list of what has been stolen and provide photos of valuable items.

Pet Missing or Stolen

Phone the local vets first because your pet may have been involved in an accident. Ask neighbours if they have seen the animal. Make posters, using a clear, recent photo of your pet and place them in areas which will be seen by as many people as possible. Leaflet neighbours houses as well as homes in nearby streets. Use an online pet search website, they can often reach the whole country. Telephone your pet insurance provider. They might be able to help with offering a reward and providing publicity to assist in getting your pet back.

Mobile Phone Theft

Remember the three steps: Register, Report, Reunite.

Register: you can register the details of your handset with The National Mobile Property Register. This will help the police to return your phone to you if it is stolen. You should also make sure your phone is registered with your network provider, especially Pay As You Go phones.

Report: report it immediately to the police. You should also contact your mobile phone network provider. They can block both the handset and the SIM card so that they cannot be used any more.

Reunite: If the police do recover your stolen handset, it’s a lot easier for them to reunite you with your phone if it is registered. They can match up the serial number to your name and address and get it back to you quickly.