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Essex Police takes 220 guns from suspected domestic abusers | Essex Police takes 220 guns from suspected domestic abusers |
(about 7 hours later) | |
More than 200 guns have been removed from licensed owners suspected of being involved in domestic abuse in Essex. | More than 200 guns have been removed from licensed owners suspected of being involved in domestic abuse in Essex. |
"Operation Wishbone" was launched by Essex Police in the wake of several high-profile domestic-related murders around the UK involving weapons. | "Operation Wishbone" was launched by Essex Police in the wake of several high-profile domestic-related murders around the UK involving weapons. |
Of the 24,500 licensed firearms holders in Essex, 777 were visited by Essex Police to check if it was suitable for them to own guns. | |
A total of 220 shotguns and firearms were seized. | A total of 220 shotguns and firearms were seized. |
Earlier this year, licensed shotgun holder Christopher Parry was convicted of murdering his wife by shooting her in the back near her home in Wales. | Earlier this year, licensed shotgun holder Christopher Parry was convicted of murdering his wife by shooting her in the back near her home in Wales. |
In October, puppy farmer John Lowe was found guilty of murdering his partner and her daughter in Surrey. | In October, puppy farmer John Lowe was found guilty of murdering his partner and her daughter in Surrey. |
His shotguns and licence had been seized by police but were returned several months later. | His shotguns and licence had been seized by police but were returned several months later. |
Essex Police checked details of licence holders to see if they had ever been the perpetrator of domestic violence, even if they had not been arrested, charged or found guilty. | Essex Police checked details of licence holders to see if they had ever been the perpetrator of domestic violence, even if they had not been arrested, charged or found guilty. |
They prioritised cases, focussing on the highest-risk first, and visiting the holders. | They prioritised cases, focussing on the highest-risk first, and visiting the holders. |
The force's approach was "victim-based", so people could say if they believed their partners or family members should be allowed to keep guns. | The force's approach was "victim-based", so people could say if they believed their partners or family members should be allowed to keep guns. |
"If there were concerns, we took steps to remove guns, ammunition and certificates where we believed there was a danger to public safety," said Chief Insp Tom Simons from Essex Police. | "If there were concerns, we took steps to remove guns, ammunition and certificates where we believed there was a danger to public safety," said Chief Insp Tom Simons from Essex Police. |
Fifty people gave up their licences or had them revoked, and 86 people were given warnings about how they stored their guns. | Fifty people gave up their licences or had them revoked, and 86 people were given warnings about how they stored their guns. |
Insp Neal Miller, who led the operation, said in future, any incidents where there is a suggestion of the involvement of a licensed firearms holder would be "assessed at the earliest opportunity". | Insp Neal Miller, who led the operation, said in future, any incidents where there is a suggestion of the involvement of a licensed firearms holder would be "assessed at the earliest opportunity". |
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