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Airgun Law to Fall Short on Tackling Criminal Misuse?

The new legislation licensing airguns will fall short in tackling the criminal misuse of the weapons according to a spokesman from the Scottish Police. 

The new legislation means that anyone who owns an air gun will need to have the weapon registered under the new Air Weapons and License (Scotland) Bill. The move is part of the Scottish Government’s long term aim to control the number of air guns following the death of a two year old who was killed by an airgun in Glasgow. 

David John Penn, of the British Shooting Sports Council, said "a licensing system will not be very likely immediately to flush out those who are criminally inclined".

He added: "They will just stay quiet, not be licensed. There is plenty of law existing now to effectively prosecute people misusing air weapons. The licensing would not help very much."

Graham Ellis, chair of the Scottish Air Rifle and Pistol Association, echoed the thoughts of Mr Penn stating that there was lack of a criminal intent in air gun owners. 

Calum Steele, the general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation however warned that the new law could affect thousands and may have little impact on the control of the weapons.

Current estimates show there are 500,000 airguns in Scotland, but the rules will apply to anyone coming in to the country and not just those residing in Scotland.

If you have been a victim of crime or require legal advice contact MJS. Give us a call on 01383 730466 (Dunfermline) or 01592 640680 (Kirkcaldy) or contact us online. 

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