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Possession Of Weapons

✅ Article By Anne-Marie Pearman & Reviewed By Zeynep Topcu

Possession of weapons, whether firearms or knives, can have severe consequences for you and your community. Understanding the laws and risks associated with weapon possession is essential to ensure your safety and those around you.

Firearms And Gun Crime Penalties

In recent years, sentences for individuals guilty of possessing illegal firearms have become increasingly harsh. The minimum sentence for possessing an illegal gun is five years. Though gun crime represents only a small percentage of all crimes, it's a growing concern in specific areas.

Gun crime encompasses a range of offences, including:

  • Murder Involving Firearms: A murder where the victim gets shot.
  • Firing a Gun: Regardless of whether anyone is injured.
  • Robberies or Burglaries: When the criminals use a gun as a weapon.
  • Intimidation: Using a firearm to threaten or intimidate.
  • Possessing Banned Guns: Such as handguns.
  • Using or Carrying Imitation Guns: Even if they can't fire real ammunition.
  • Concealing a Gun: Hiding or keeping it for someone else.
  • Owning a Gun Without a License.

Advice And Support For Weapons-Related Crimes

Here's what you need to know to prevent crimes related to weapons and stay safe:

  1. Report Suspected Gun Carriers: If you suspect someone is carrying a gun, do not confront them. Please report it to the authorities. Take the situation seriously, even if you believe the weapon may be a replica.
  2. Avoid Carrying Replica Guns: Tragic incidents have occurred when police officers mistook replica weapons for real ones. Never carry a replica gun in public.
  3. Know Air Gun Laws: It's illegal to carry air guns, even unloaded, in public places without proper authorization or a valid reason. The sale and purchase of certain air weapons are also restricted.
  4. Avoid Weapons: Carrying a weapon increases the risk of becoming a victim of gun crime.

By staying informed about the laws and risks associated with weapon possession and reporting any suspicious activities, you can contribute to a safer community for everyone. Remember, preventing weapon possession starts with awareness and responsible actions.

Knife Crime Prevention Advice

Knife crime involves using or possessing sharp instruments capable of piercing the skin. It also includes carrying or attempting to buy a knife if you're under 18, threatening someone with a knife, owning banned knives, causing injury or committing murder with a knife, or having intent to harm someone with a knife.

Report Knife Crime

If you know someone carrying a knife, do not stay silent. Report it immediately. Contact the police at 101 or report knife crime anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or online at CrimeStoppers-uk.org.

Support and advice

There are organizations and resources available to help you understand and address knife crime:

All Crime Types

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