This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Firearms statistics to end of 2001
24/07/2002
A statistical bulletin published today has revealed that the number of firearms and shot gun certificates on issue at the end of 2001 were at the lowest level ever recorded.
These and other main findings include:
Firearm and shot gun certifications on issue
There were 27,302 firearm certificates on issue at the end of 2001, a decrease of 5 per cent (1,476) on the previous year and the lowest number ever recorded.
As at December 2001, there were 54,634 shot gun certificates on issue, a decrease of 7 per cent (3,993) compared with 58,627 in 2000, and the lowest number ever recorded.
Firearms and shot guns possessed on certificate
The 27,302 firearm certificates on issue at December 31 2001 covered approximately 59,129 firearms (0.5 per cent increase on 2000). The 54,634 shot gun certificates on issue covered approximately 121,472 shot guns (2 per cent decrease on 2000).
Applications for new firearm and shot gun certificates
In 2001, there were 1,323 applications for a new firearm certificate, an increase of 14 per cent when compared with 2000. 15 applications (1.1 per cent) were refused. The number of applications granted was 1,308, 156 more than the number in 2000. The number of applications for a new shot gun certificate was 1,840 in 2001, 209 (13 per cent) more than the number recorded in 2000. 34 applications (2 per cent) were refused. The number of application granted was 1,806 certificates, an increase of 227 from the 1,579 granted in 2000.
Cancellations and revocations of existing firearm and shot gun certificates
There were 2,651 cancellations of firearm certificates compared with 2,752 in 2000 and 777 in 1999. The lower numbers of cancellations in 1999 can be partly attributed to the fact that 1999 was not a year in which renewal of certificates was required. In addition, the police revoked 44 firearm certificates. There were 5,618 cancellations and 81 revocations of shot gun certificates in 2001.
Registered firearm dealers
There were 273 registered firearm dealers in Scotland in 2001, compared with 278 in 2000. In 2001, 178 dealers had their request for renewal of their registration granted.
Visitors' Permits and European Firearm Passes
The number of applications for Visitors' Permits from both EC and non-EC residents in 2001 totalled 2,584 for firearms (down from 3,293 in 2000) and 4,776 for shot guns (down from 5,589 in 2000).
The number of European Firearm Passes on issue at the end of 2001 was 559, compared to 557 in 2000.
The figures detailed in the bulletin cover the period in which changes to the firearms legislation were made prohibiting, firstly, the possession of large calibre handguns (above .22 calibre) and thereafter small calibre handguns (up to and including .22 calibre). In addition, there was a hand-in period between 1 July and 30 September 1997 for the surrender of large calibre handguns and a further hand-in period between 1 February and 28 February 1998 for the surrender of small calibre handguns.
This is a Scottish Executive National Statistics publication. National statistics are produced to high professional standards set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference.