Gun thefts in Sheffield prompt security review

Legal shotgun and firearm holders in South Yorkshire are being urged to increase their security in a bid to prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands.
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New regulations are being enforced following burglaries where firearms have been stolen from licenced holders.

Before anyone is granted a shotgun or firearms certificate a thorough police inspection is carried out to ensure the person applying has the correct security.

A number of firearms were stolen from All Guns Discounted in Attercliffe, Sheffield, last year.A number of firearms were stolen from All Guns Discounted in Attercliffe, Sheffield, last year.
A number of firearms were stolen from All Guns Discounted in Attercliffe, Sheffield, last year.
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An interview is also conducted to understand previous contact with the police, family relationships, medical conditions and lifestyle factors.

To increase South Yorkshire’s protection, certificate holders will now have to ensure their storage facilities meet certain criteria.One to five guns should be stored in a good quality approved cabinet.Six to 10 guns should be stored in a good quality approved cabinet with quality locks on doors and windows and an alarm or CCTV system that alerts the owner to a possible breach.Twelve or more guns should be stored in multiple cabinets or a gun room, plus good quality door and window locks should be fitted and an alarm and CCTV system should be installed.David Macleod, warrants and firearms manager for South Yorkshire Police, said: “Firearms that fall into the hands of criminals can be used to cause fear and harm within our communities.“We need to ensure that we are working together to protect South Yorkshire.“As well as additional levels of security, we are asking holders to make sure keys to their cabinets are in a secure place and that you don’t advertise that you participate in the hobby of shooting.”A number of firearms were stolen when Hardy’s Gunsmiths on Alderson Road, Highfield, Sheffield, was broken into in April.

Charges have been brought over the raid.

The year before, over 20 guns and ammunition were stolen during a daring raid of All Guns Discounted, Leigh Road, Attercliffe.

Thieves smashed their way into the gun shop through an exterior brick wall – creating two holes to allow raiders access to and from the store.

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Extra security features have now been installed, including steel walls.

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