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The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has today condemned a new campaign launched in Cumbria by Crimestoppers which encourages the public to make anonymous denunciations against licensed firearms holders.
“Crimestoppers are inviting people to make secret accusations with a 100 per cent guarantee that the person denounced will never know their accuser’s identity. That is wide open to abuse.” said BASC’s director of communications and public affairs, Christopher Graffius. “BASC supports the protection of public safety. It is in no one’s interest for the wrong people to possess firearms. However, campaigns like this, which sow mistrust and invite anonymous denunciations, do nothing to make the public safer.”
UK firearms licensing is among the strictest in the world
The UK already has one of the most rigorous firearms licensing systems in existence. Legal firearms holders undergo detailed checks, including medical assessments, police interviews, and continuous monitoring of their suitability to own a firearm.
In Cumbria alone, there are 8,656 certificate holders, many of which are farmers, land managers, and pest controllers for whom firearms are essential tools of the job. In the last year for which records are available, only 32 certificates were revoked – representing just 0.37 per cent – which demonstrates the rigour of police monitoring and the exceptionally high standards of responsibility among legal gun owners.
BASC works closely with police licensing departments to ensure these high standards are maintained and regularly promotes education on secure storage and responsible ownership through training and guidance for members.
BASC has taken immediate steps in response to this misguided initiative:
- Meeting with the Home Office policing minister: BASC will be raising its concerns and questioning the fundraising of Crimestoppers in a meeting with the Home Office policing minister next Wednesday.
- Letter to Crimestoppers: BASC’s chief executive will write to the Crimestoppers CEO calling for the immediate withdrawal of this campaign.
- Engagement with Cumbria Police: BASC will contact the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure legal firearms users are protected from malicious accusations.
- Political Engagement: BASC will be writing to all Cumbrian MPs urging them to raise this issue with the policing minister and in Parliament.
BASC remains committed to working with law enforcement and government to keep the public safe while ensuring fair treatment for the country’s responsible firearms community.
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