Firearm Offences Decline in Hampshire as UK Sees Lowest Rates in a Decade

Fewer firearm offences were recorded in Hampshire last year, reflecting a broader trend across England and Wales, where overall firearm offences have dropped to their lowest level in a decade. According to the latest figures from the Home Office, Hampshire Constabulary documented 146 firearm offences in the year ending March, marking a 4% decrease from 152 the previous year. This translates to approximately seven offences per 100,000 people in Hampshire, slightly below the national average of eight per 100,000.

The statistics highlight a significant decline in firearm-related incidents, which include instances where a firearm is discharged, used as a weapon, or employed as a threat. Notably, these figures do not account for air weapons. Across England and Wales, police forces recorded 5,103 firearm offences last year, a substantial 21% reduction from 6,449 in the previous year and the lowest since the 2014-15 period. Among these incidents, 790 offences involved the firing of lethal-barrelled or unknown firearms, an increase of 14% from 693 the prior year, yet still representing the second-lowest total since 2015-16.

Concerns Over Gun Control and Victim Demographics

Despite the declines, the Gun Control Network, which advocates for stricter regulations on gun ownership, expressed caution. A spokesperson stated, “Gun control works, and the evidence is clear as the number of firearms offences drops to the lowest in a decade, but there is no room for complacency.” They pointed to tragic incidents in various locations, including Cumbria and Plymouth, where inadequacies in shotgun licensing allowed individuals with a history of violence to obtain firearms.

The data also revealed concerning trends among victims of firearm offences. Young individuals aged between 10 and 30 comprised 43% of firearm victims in the year to March, despite representing only 25% of the overall population. This disparity underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing gun violence, particularly among youth.

The Gun Control Network is advocating for stricter regulations concerning firearm ownership. They propose requiring input from individuals who know the applicant well as part of the firearm certificate application process.

Government Response and Law Enforcement Efforts

In response to these issues, the government has introduced new regulations aimed at tightening firearms licensing. Recent statutory guidance for police forces enhances the criteria for determining an individual’s suitability to obtain a firearm or shotgun licence. Notably, the number of referees required for shotgun certificate applications has increased from one to two.

ACC Tim Metcalfe, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on criminal use of firearms, remarked that firearm-related crime in the UK remains among the lowest globally. He acknowledged the importance of addressing the small number of incidents that do occur, stating, “While the number of people who become victims of gun crime remains low, further reducing the criminal use of firearms remains a priority for policing.”

Minister for Policing and Crime Sarah Jones expressed her satisfaction with the declining figures, saying, “I am encouraged to see the number of firearms offences have fallen to their lowest level in a decade. We have strong firearms controls in this country, and I want to thank the police and other law enforcement agencies for their continued hard work.”

As the UK navigates these changes, the focus remains on enhancing public safety while ensuring that measures to control firearms are effective and responsive to community needs.