NRA Journal - Spring 2011 - National Rifle Association

11 If someone keeps a number of air weapons,perhaps as tools of their job, it might be useful tolook at some of the security measures set out inthe Home Office’s Firearms Security Handbook2005. Although that publication is aimed at thesecurity of licensed firearms, they might find someof the Level One security measures suggestedfor certificate holders equally relevant to the safestorage of air weapons.12 Anyone who already holds other firearms coulduse their existing gun cabinet for their air weapon,provided this did not compromise security ofthose other firearms.13 Air weapons should be stored within the occupiedpart of a building and not in an outbuilding, suchas a garage or shed, where there is no regularpresence to check that the weapons remain secure.14 Air weapons should always be unloaded whenstored. However, this would not be sufficient initself since the new offence relates to unauthorisedaccess to the weapon. Neither could it be relied onto be safe since air weapon pellets can be accessibleto young people and they could be in possessionof some at the time they gain unauthorised accessto an air weapon.Safekeeping when in use15 As above, a key issue is the presence, or likelypresence, of young people under the age of 18.They might be accompanying an adult or someoneelse who is authorised to use an air weapon, butare not authorised to use it themselves, or theymight be in the vicinity when one is being used.The most basic precaution would be to keep theair weapon under close supervision and never toleave it unattended.16 Where a person using an air weapon has nooption but to put it down for short periods, theyshould unload it and gather up all ammunition.Steps should then be taken to prevent someoneunder the age of 18 from gaining unauthorisedaccess to the air weapon. Where practicable, thiscould include attaching it to a fixed object usinga security cord or similar device, or locking it outof sight in a car.Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire FirearmsLicensing UnitFrom 1 March 2011 Bedfordshire Police &Hertfordshire Constabulary are establishing a jointFLU. All correspondence relating to firearms licenceapplications should, with immediate effect, be sent tothe following address:Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Firearms LicensingUnitHarpenden Police Station15 Vaughan RoadHarpendenHertsAL5 4GZE-mail: firearmslic@herts.pnn.police.ukTel: 01707 806126Fax: 01707 806140Further information regarding the service providedby the joint unit can be obtained by visiting the forcewebsites: www.bedfordshire.police.uk or www.herts.police.ukTo contact the NRA Firearms Liaison OfficerTel: 07738 730419E-mail: firearmsliaison@nra.org.ukNRA Overseas Teams Fund CufflinksA classy set of shooter orientatedfired 7.62mm cartridge case basestransformed into the elegant mansaccessory, cufflinks.Be different with an original gift foryou or the man in your life.Price £20 with a £5 donation fromeach pair sold donated to theOverseas Teams Fund.Orders to njb5010@gmail.com20