September 24, 2003
Scotland Cuts Gun Crime in Half
As a result of a gun-amnesty program and a ban on pistols, Scotland has
reduced its rate of gun crime by nearly half in the past 10 years, the
Scotsman reported Sept. 24.
According to the Scottish Executive, there was a 2-percent drop in the
number of firearms offenses in 2002, and an overall 48-percent decline
since 1992. In addition, crimes committed with shotguns reached the lowest
level ever last year.
The report found that airguns were the most common type of weapon used in
committing crimes in 2002, followed by imitation firearms.
Despite the drop in gun crimes, Cathy Jamieson, the justice minister, said
that there is much more that needs to be done.
"There is no need for complacency," she said. "There are still too
many
illegally-held firearms, but thanks to police initiatives locally, the
national gun amnesty, and a significant tightening of the regulations on
gun ownership, we have made progress."
Jamieson added, "Gun crime is a major cause of fear and distress and is a
real problem in some areas. We are committed to removing guns from our
streets. It is time to reduce the threat posed by guns and make Scotland a
safer place."
Scotland Cuts Gun Crime in Half
As a result of a gun-amnesty program and a ban on pistols, Scotland has
reduced its rate of gun crime by nearly half in the past 10 years, the
Scotsman reported Sept. 24.
According to the Scottish Executive, there was a 2-percent drop in the
number of firearms offenses in 2002, and an overall 48-percent decline
since 1992. In addition, crimes committed with shotguns reached the lowest
level ever last year.
The report found that airguns were the most common type of weapon used in
committing crimes in 2002, followed by imitation firearms.
Despite the drop in gun crimes, Cathy Jamieson, the justice minister, said
that there is much more that needs to be done.
"There is no need for complacency," she said. "There are still too
many
illegally-held firearms, but thanks to police initiatives locally, the
national gun amnesty, and a significant tightening of the regulations on
gun ownership, we have made progress."
Jamieson added, "Gun crime is a major cause of fear and distress and is a
real problem in some areas. We are committed to removing guns from our
streets. It is time to reduce the threat posed by guns and make Scotland a
safer place."