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According to the latest data, there were 348 firearm offences recorded in Scotland during 2017-18, a drop of one per cent from the previous year (350 offences) and 13 per cent from 2015-16 (402 offences); the lowest figure since records began in 1980.
The recent bulletin – Recorded Crimes and Offences Involving Firearms – found firearm offences which caused either fatal or non-fatal injuries decreased by five per cent, from 43 in 2016-17 to 41 in 2017-18. The number of offences in which a firearm was discharged causing no injury or damage fell three per cent, from 59 to 57.
The most commonly committed offences involving a firearm in 2017-18 were:
The most common type of firearm used in 2017-18 was an air weapon, accounting for 36 per cent of all offences. This was followed by a pistol/revolver (11 per cent) and a shotgun (seven per cent).
In 2017-18, most crimes involving firearms either took place in a dwelling (36 per cent), in the street (20 per cent) or in a shop (eight per cent).
There were six offences involving the alleged use of a firearm that happened in a school or college, a 45 per cent drop from the 2016-17’s figure (11 offences). Seven offences occurred in a bank, building society or post office involving the alleged use of a firearm occurred in a bank, while four offences took place in a public entertainment location.
In all offences that happened within a school/college, bank, building society or place of public entertainment, the only type of weapon used was an air weapon.
In Scotland, it is an offence to possess a firearm without a licence. Our criminal solicitors can provide you with qualified legal advice and court representation in relation to firearm offences. Do not delay and speak with a member of our criminal defence team today via the online enquiry form.
