Guns were seized by police from two addresses by police in an operation this weekend.
Operation Crosshair sees specialist officers visit the homes of firearms certificate holders to check they are adhering to the terms of their firearms certificate and that they do not present a risk to the public safety.
Addresses chosen for the operation were identified as a result of intelligence received regarding potential firearms certificate breaches, as well as association with illegal drug use.
Police checked firearms were correctly and safely stored and carried out drugs wipe checks on certificate holders to ensure their judgement and self-control was not impaired through illegal substance misuse and ensure they did not present a danger to the public safety.
At the weekend, five addresses were visited.
Of those, three certificate-holders passed drugs wipes, with no further causes of concern identified.
At one address in the Kendal area, the certificate holder failed a drug wipe. As a result, three shotguns and ammunition were seized along with the certificate.
At another address in the Cartmel area, the certificate holder passed the drugs wipe but was found to be in breach of the terms of his firearms certificate on multiple counts, including storing firearms insecurely. As a result, firearms and shotguns were seized.
Cumbria Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Jonathan Blackwell said: “In the UK, we have strict laws and regulations around gun ownership, which is why it is important that steps are taken to ensure that those trusted to be in possession of a firearm are abiding by the strict terms of the firearms certificate they hold, as well as conducting themselves in a manner that does not give rise to concerns that they are not suitable to hold such a certificate.
“In Cumbria there are over 10,000 legally-held firearms certificates, and it is important to make clear that the overwhelming majority – including the many who require a certificate as part of their working life – take their responsibilities as firearms certificate holders seriously and responsibly.
“Operation Crosshair will not involve engagement with all firearms certificate holders, or even random selection, but will instead continue to be intelligence-led, focusing on individuals where there are concerns regarding potential firearms certificate breaches.
“Operations will continue to take place in the coming weeks and months. As such, firearms certificate holders are urged to take steps today to ensure they are fully compliant with the terms of their certificate, including ensuring all firearms are properly registered, accounted for and safely secured.”
