NI police declares Firearms and Explosives branch “critical incident”
They currently have a backlog of firearms licence applications that is sitting at roughly 3,000 applications and rising.
National campaign launched to tackle firearm certificate fraud
In response to a surge in firearm certificate fraud, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has launched a campaign under Project RUTIC to prevent the illegal acquisition of firearms and ammunition.
The NCA campaign focuses on educating firearm and shotgun certificate holders about key security measures during private firearms transfers.
How to spot fraudulent certificates
The NCA’s new awareness poster, titled Know Your Certificates, reminds individuals to follow the A, B, C safety advice to detect fraudulent certificates.
A
Always inspect the original firearm certificate, ensuring it is printed on authentic certificate paper and verifying its security features.
B
Beware of buyers offering suspiciously high sums of money for firearms.
C
Compare firearm certificates to ensure consistency in layout and verify the photograph matches the buyer.
Know your firearm certificates campaign
The campaign emphasises vigilance, urging individuals to STOP any transfer if they have doubts about firearm certificate validity. A scannable QR code on the poster links to NCA resources, offering further guidance on identifying fake firearm certificates.
“Fraudulent certificates pose a significant risk by enabling unlicensed individuals to obtain firearms,” said the NCA in their campaign release. The initiative highlights the importance of safeguarding firearm ownership against criminal exploitation.
When in doubt: report it
The NCA advises individuals to report concerns to their local firearms licensing team or dial 101. In emergencies, firearm owners are urged to contact the police immediately via 999.
We’re encouraging all BASC members to support the campaign by sharing the NCA’s advice, distributing the poster, and remaining vigilant during all firearms and ammunition transfers. Together, we can ensure responsible firearm ownership and prevent criminal misuse.
For more information, visit the NCA website.
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