27 Jan 2011
ACPO responds to the introduction of a new offence to stop under 18s gaining unauthorised access to airguns
ACPO lead on firearms and licensing Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Whiting said:
“The police service supports this control on the security of air weapons. Responsible owners already take sensible precautions to ensure safe storage of their air weapons. This control will place no additional burden on them.
“Sadly, there have been deaths caused by air weapons and frequently the victims are children. For those owners who have a lax attitude to storage, this provision should encourage them to take action to improve safety.
“ACPO has been involved in the work leading to this order which we hope will improve the security of air weapons and prevent harm and serious injuries.”
For more information about the government's announcement click here: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/airgun-locked
For more information please contact:
ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk
Communications office
By phone: 0800 538 5058
By email: press.office@npcc.police.uk