FOI 516/25

REQUEST

I would like to request information under the Freedom of Information Act concerning the issuing of firearms certificates and inspections over the past five years.

1. I would like to know the number of firearms certificates issued over the past five years.
2. The number of new certificates issued.
3. The number of inspections. Can I have this broken down to inspections of new firearms certificate applications and renewal applications.
4. Can I have figures for the number of applications and refusals.
5. Also, could I have information on the number of firearms offences investigated by your force where the weapon was legally held (or had a firearms certificate).
6. Can i also find out the number of legally held firearms reported stolen over that period.
7. Can you break down the number of firearms held by type?

RESPONSE

We consulted with our Firearms department who have provided the following information regarding your request.

Please note, the below date range is 01/04/2020 – 01/04/2025

Question 1

There were 358 firearms certificates issued and 1780 firearm renewals over the last five years.

Question 2

Question 3

Every new application would be subject to a home visit and inspection. For renewals, data can only be provided from October 2024 to April 2025, where 102 renewal applicants were subject of a home visit. A further 183 applicants were subject to a video interview.

Question 4

There were 7,360 total applications received. Of this, 104 were refused.

Question 5

742 certificate holders have been reviewed by the Firearms Licencing team following coming to notice of the police.

Question 6

There were 7 legally held firearms reported as missing.

Question 7

Please note, this Date range is 01/04/2024 – 31/03/2025