Airgun crime has fallen by 45 per cent in Scotland, according to recently released official figures.
The new statistics indicate that the number of offences involving airguns dropped from 427 in 2009/10 to 233 in 2010/11, continuing a downward trend in offences over the previous five years.
Shooting organisations were quick to welcome the figures. Nicolle Hamilton of BASC Scotland said: “We congratulate the government and the police on these statistics showing that crimes involving firearms are at their lowest in a decade.
“At a time when legitimate and law-abiding shooters are being threatened with a potentially costly licensing scheme, the news that airgun crime has reduced by 45 per cent in the past year alone is to be applauded.
“Airguns are a vital part of target shooting and pest control in Scotland, and the overwhelming majority are used sensibly, lawfully and responsibly.”
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