Firearm offences at 34 year low in Scotland

FIREARM offences have fallen by more than a fifth, from 647 to 514 last year, but those resulting in homicides rose from two to five, new figures have revealed.

• Firearm offences in Scotland have fallen by more than a fifth from last year

• Air weapon offences also fell from 343 to 280

The number of incidents involving air weapons also fell, although not as sharply, from 343 to 280.

Overall, firearms offences are now at a 34-year low.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “These figures represent great progress in tackling the menace of firearms offences in our communities.

“Year on year, the number of crimes involving guns on our streets is dropping rapidly.

“The message appears to be getting across that guns put lives at risk and anyone caught using them can and will be punished heavily.”