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Gun-minding offence introduced Gun-minding offence introduced
(about 6 hours later)
Minding a weapon in order to hide it from police becomes an offence under a measure that becomes law on Friday. Minding a weapon in order to hide it from police has become an offence under a measure which is now in force.
The law's operation was brought forward, after a spate of gang-related shootings in February.The law's operation was brought forward, after a spate of gang-related shootings in February.
Ministers say the act gives police strong powers to tackle gun and knife-related violence. It will apply throughout the UK.Ministers say the act gives police strong powers to tackle gun and knife-related violence. It will apply throughout the UK.
Other new powers targeting mobile phone and alcohol-related crime also come into force over the Easter weekend.Other new powers targeting mobile phone and alcohol-related crime also come into force over the Easter weekend.
The measures are part of the Violent Crime Reduction Act, which was passed by Parliament in 2006.The measures are part of the Violent Crime Reduction Act, which was passed by Parliament in 2006.
From Saturday, it becomes an offence to use someone to hide or carry a weapon. Adults who use children to hide guns will face up to 10 years in prison. From Friday, it became an offence to use someone to hide or carry a weapon. Adults who use children to hide guns will face up to 10 years in prison.
At the same time the range of offences for which an offender can be given a mandatory minimum five year sentence is being extended beyond just simple possession of a banned firearm.At the same time the range of offences for which an offender can be given a mandatory minimum five year sentence is being extended beyond just simple possession of a banned firearm.
The mandatory sentence will now apply to offences including:The mandatory sentence will now apply to offences including:
  • Possession of firearm with intent to injure
  • Possession of firearm with intent to cause fear of violence
  • Carrying a firearm in a public place
  • Trespassing in a building with firearm
  • Possession of firearm with intent to injure
  • Possession of firearm with intent to cause fear of violence
  • Carrying a firearm in a public place
  • Trespassing in a building with firearm
The new offence of weapon-minding aims to target gang members who seek to avoid prosecution by getting others to hide their weapons.The new offence of weapon-minding aims to target gang members who seek to avoid prosecution by getting others to hide their weapons.
Home Secretary John Reid announced in March that it was being moved forward after a summit on gun crime.Home Secretary John Reid announced in March that it was being moved forward after a summit on gun crime.
Five south Londoners, including three teenagers, died in shootings earlier this year, prompting pressure on government to act.Five south Londoners, including three teenagers, died in shootings earlier this year, prompting pressure on government to act.
"These new powers will enable police to better tackle gun and knife crime," said Mr Reid."These new powers will enable police to better tackle gun and knife crime," said Mr Reid.
"After listening to community concerns on knives and guns, I decided to bring forward the use of these measures as a matter of urgency."After listening to community concerns on knives and guns, I decided to bring forward the use of these measures as a matter of urgency.
"These new powers are the latest step, an example of how the Government is working to make us all safer, putting the interests of ordinary people first.""These new powers are the latest step, an example of how the Government is working to make us all safer, putting the interests of ordinary people first."
Another new measure attempts to crack down on child alcohol abuse.Another new measure attempts to crack down on child alcohol abuse.
Iif a minor is sold alcohol in a licensed premise in England and Wales three times in three months, the licensee will face prosecution.Iif a minor is sold alcohol in a licensed premise in England and Wales three times in three months, the licensee will face prosecution.
They could have their licence suspended for three months and be fined up to £10,000.They could have their licence suspended for three months and be fined up to £10,000.
And a new UK-wide law banning the reprogramming of mobile phones is coming into force.And a new UK-wide law banning the reprogramming of mobile phones is coming into force.
This measure is designed to target the black market in stolen phones. Criminals have stolen phones reprogrammed to sell them on.This measure is designed to target the black market in stolen phones. Criminals have stolen phones reprogrammed to sell them on.