GUN OWNERS FACE LICENSE DEADLINEIsle of Man - GUN owners could face having their weapons seized, the police have warned.
Some 828 firearms certificate holders have until the end of this month to apply for renewals if they want to continue owning guns or they will be breaking the law.
To get new certificates, owners must meet strict security rules about where guns are kept. If the standards are not met, police officers could seize weapons.
Firearms certificates, which have to be renewed every three years and cost £23.50, cover all guns except air weapons and most types of shotguns that means most pistols and rifles.
Unlike the UK, pistols can still be legally owned in the Isle of Man, but that does not mean gun laws are more relaxed here.
Inspector Mike Ward said there are very strict conditions.
'Every three years, all certificates have to be renewed,' he said. 'Each certificate holder is sent a form which they have to fill in and send back.
'They have to answer a series of questions about the security of where they keep their weapons and any changes in their circumstances.
'If a certificate is to be renewed it is sent to a police station and an officer will call at the weapon-owner's home. The officer must personally inspect the storage arrangements for the weapons and will only sign and hand over the certificate if they are satisfied.
'They will check thoroughly that arrangements, such as a secure cabinet, are in place,' he added.
'If the security is not good enough, the certificate will not be issued and the weapons will be siezed.'
The rules will preclude some people, such as people who have committed certain crimes or have a history of mental illness, from legally owning guns.
When the form is filled in the applicant must give a 'good reason' for owning a weapon, such as for sport or as a farmer.
Inspector Ward added: 'The certificates contain a lot of detail about the weapon or weapons, such as serial numbers, and there are quite strict penalties if the regulations are not complied with.
'Former certificate holders who fail to re-apply will also receive a visit from one of our officer. We will want to see why they no longer want a certificate, for instance if a weapon has been sold, because if they intend to retain ownership of a weapon they are committing an offence by not having a certificate.'
http://www.iomonline.co.im/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=870&ArticleID=961023*Note: Looks like the politicians
in the UK believe in "reasonable restrictions" on freedom too. Nothing more peaceful than a herd of unarmed shee...er...slav...uh...
citizens.
