docholiday Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 There seems to be an awful lot of assumptions going on here by the OP and I thing the Hysteria comment appropriate, why didnt you go and ask him if it got up your nose so much. I find some public calling the police where I shoot a pain and waste of police time, They as the OP seem deficient in knowledge of the law. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overandunder2012 Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 Just what we need ! fellow shooter's phoning police making unnecessary accusation's. I assume the title of this thread applies to the bloke who wrote it rather than the poor bloke out shooting for the evening i have to admit every time anyone makes a call about airguns it probably adds to the crime stats giving ammo to the lets ban them crew so its probably best not to make calls like this unless you can see there is a clear danger to the public. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ging125 Posted January 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 (edited) I phoned the council and they don’t have anyone with permission who shoots on this piece of land. They completed a risk assessment 4 yrs ago along with local police (presume FEO) who deemed the land unsafe for any firearm use including air rifles due to high public use day/night, dual carriage way, and property within the local vicinity. I appreciate my comments may seem rash, but i did do a risk assessment in my head, I felt that this guy was acting irresponsibly whether he is a keen experienced sports man or local thug, the visibility was poor and it was early evening (still a lot of public activity). I felt at the time the only responsible thing I could do was call the police. I did consider approaching the guy but there is a traveller site about 500yds from the area and therefore felt it was inappropriate to do so. He may well have had FLIR or NV but I could not see any IR beam through my NV therefore it did raise some more suspicion. You may think I’m a tit for calling the police but they were only contacted as I felt this guy was a risk, not only to the local community but also the shooting community given the general bad press we receive. I would'nt have rang them without good justification. I want to protect our sport, especially from those who ruin it for everone else. I believe the shooting community should self regulate, if for what ever reason someone finds the behaviour or actions of another shooter dangerous or irresponsible it is our responsibility to ensure it is dealt with accordingly. In this case, phoning the police. I like to think of myself as a very responsible and conscientious shooter, if I was acting irresponsibly with any of my firearms at any time or anywhere with or without permission , I would expect someone to call the police. I’m glad this post has raised a debate, however I wonder what your position would have been if you were in my shoes. Edited January 28, 2013 by ging125 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demonwolf444 Posted January 28, 2013 Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 On here and on some TV programmes ive seen people with council letters for pest controll on public lands for health and safety concerns. Its quite possible this person had permission and was just doing his job discretely - so those assumptions were more than valid. If you see him again i would go into the park, carefully. And confront him over the permission, advise him that what he is doing isnt only illegal but also highly dangerous. We have lots of hares on one of my permissions, and therefore we get lots of people coursing. When pest controlling i often have to go up to them and explain, what they are doing is illegal, and they havent got permission and if they dont leave i just call the police and the farmer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the hide shooter Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 (edited) isnt this y we call the police before we go shooting? so if someone rings up they have a log of you! get off the lads back, if he felt he should call the local bobby then thats his call! if this shooter was legit then all will be well! as for some of the posts sugesting that because he had nv he was most likely a serious sports man is rediculous, you wouldnt beleive the lenths some poachers go to to go un detected, so a serious poacher would be just as likely to own nv! if i had a suspicion that somebody was shooting without permision id of done the same, its all well saying let the guy be, until sombody is shot, that would be a bigger kick in the teeth for our shooting comunity!! Edited January 30, 2013 by the hide shooter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beretta06 Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 I think many people don't call and notify the police of their activites, for one of two reasons: 1. There is no legal requirement to report you activities (civil rights and all that) 2. Even if you DO call, the Police are supposed to respond to any incidents of firearms concerns from the general public. Of course, reporting you location may mean a squad car (do young people still say squad car?!?!) and a helicopter and policemen with their own firearms!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the hide shooter Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 at the end of the day its good practice! i always call in when im shooting! obviously its better to ring! iv never had police turn up yet!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the hide shooter Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 I phoned the council and they don’t have anyone with permission who shoots on this piece of land. They completed a risk assessment 4 yrs ago along with local police (presume FEO) who deemed the land unsafe for any firearm use including air rifles due to high public use day/night, dual carriage way, and property within the local vicinity. I appreciate my comments may seem rash, but i did do a risk assessment in my head, I felt that this guy was acting irresponsibly whether he is a keen experienced sports man or local thug, the visibility was poor and it was early evening (still a lot of public activity). I felt at the time the only responsible thing I could do was call the police. I did consider approaching the guy but there is a traveller site about 500yds from the area and therefore felt it was inappropriate to do so. He may well have had FLIR or NV but I could not see any IR beam through my NV therefore it did raise some more suspicion. You may think I’m a tit for calling the police but they were only contacted as I felt this guy was a risk, not only to the local community but also the shooting community given the general bad press we receive. I would'nt have rang them without good justification. I want to protect our sport, especially from those who ruin it for everone else. I believe the shooting community should self regulate, if for what ever reason someone finds the behaviour or actions of another shooter dangerous or irresponsible it is our responsibility to ensure it is dealt with accordingly. In this case, phoning the police. I like to think of myself as a very responsible and conscientious shooter, if I was acting irresponsibly with any of my firearms at any time or anywhere with or without permission , I would expect someone to call the police. I’m glad this post has raised a debate, however I wonder what your position would have been if you were in my shoes. you done right mate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lumpy Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 at the end of the day its good practice! i always call in when im shooting! obviously its better to ring! iv never had police turn up yet!! I've never informed the police and never will unless they make it a legal requirement ! Never had them turn up either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drive By Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 Instead of just watching out of the window why didn't you go out and ask him what he was doing - or show an interest as a fellow shooter rather than diving in with questions? People get frustrated about stuff like this when the best thing to do is talk to the person concerned. Fair enough he might have gone before you got there but surely a better option than being an angry peeping Tom? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the hide shooter Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 I've never informed the police and never will unless they make it a legal requirement ! Never had them turn up either. oh well, both methods work eh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 isnt this y we call the police before we go shooting? Speak for yourself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ging125 Posted January 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 At the end of the day you can call me what you like, peeping Tom or whatever. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I did what was right at the time. Some of the comments and posts on here make me wonder what some are thinking and are they responsible shooters or good advocates for our sport? I don't agree with anyone ringing the police at the drop of a hat, but a fellow shooter should be able to recognise dangerous or irresponsible behaviour quicker than joe public. As for the comment antis having a field day about one shooter reporting another, I don't agree. It proves that we can self regulate and some of us are happy to stand up and take responsibility for reporting unsafe behaviour even if it is unpopular with some of the shooting community! They will probably get more satisfaction reading the comments condemning my actions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harrys Bird Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 Instead of just watching out of the window why didn't you go out and ask him what he was doing - or show an interest as a fellow shooter rather than diving in with questions? People get frustrated about stuff like this when the best thing to do is talk to the person concerned. Fair enough he might have gone before you got there but surely a better option than being an angry peeping Tom? At the end of the day you can call me what you like, peeping Tom or whatever. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I did what was right at the time. Some of the comments and posts on here make me wonder what some are thinking and are they responsible shooters or good advocates for our sport? I don't agree with anyone ringing the police at the drop of a hat, but a fellow shooter should be able to recognise dangerous or irresponsible behaviour quicker than joe public. As for the comment antis having a field day about one shooter reporting another, I don't agree. It proves that we can self regulate and some of us are happy to stand up and take responsibility for reporting unsafe behaviour even if it is unpopular with some of the shooting community! They will probably get more satisfaction reading the comments condemning my actions. You have your concerns and rightly so, as its at your door. Why should you confront someone with a gun when you can ring the police and they can sort it out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ging125 Posted January 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 (edited) Well said Edited January 30, 2013 by ging125 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiLisCer Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 At the end of the day you can call me what you like, peeping Tom or whatever. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I did what was right at the time. Some of the comments and posts on here make me wonder what some are thinking and are they responsible shooters or good advocates for our sport? I don't agree with anyone ringing the police at the drop of a hat, but a fellow shooter should be able to recognise dangerous or irresponsible behaviour quicker than joe public. As for the comment antis having a field day about one shooter reporting another, I don't agree. It proves that we can self regulate and some of us are happy to stand up and take responsibility for reporting unsafe behaviour even if it is unpopular with some of the shooting community! They will probably get more satisfaction reading the comments condemning my actions. But that is the point - looking at your first post - you don't have a clue about the law! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yickdaz Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 Was in the house last night watching the TV when the wife came running down stairs shouting " there a man in the playing field with a gun". We live near a council playing field which backs onto farmland. About 2 acres, This area is well used by dog walkers and kids!! So went upstairs with the NV and watched this**** in prone less than 50ft from the centre of a road and on public property. Think I heard a couple of moderated shots, probably an air gun. He looked well prepared, bag, camo and no lamp(assuming NV) Watched him for a few minutes as he walked and dropped to prone a couple of times. He then disappeared behind the hedge line! Within a couple of mins of him did appearing, a couple with dogs walked into the area. 1. It's public property 2. He fired with 50ft of a well used public highway 3. Doubt he had permission for the farm land if he entered from park. There is an access gate to the field just beside it! 4. Putting public in danger 5.Why?? This really angered me! It's idiots like him who ruin our ( the shooting community) name! He had no regard for safety and is obviously very selfish! The wife called the police but they are still to show up 12hr later!! If I see him again what should I do? Call the local bobby or have a word? I almost feel like I should call the police again to have his gun confiscated! you didn,t miss it out it says it there and the post isn,t edited either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ging125 Posted January 31, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 you didn,t miss it out it says it there and the post isn,t edited either dont know what your post means? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ging125 Posted January 31, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 But that is the point - looking at your first post - you don't have a clue about the law! I dont claim to be an expert in law but I do have a good understanding of it,!given that may not be clear in the OP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the hide shooter Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 absolutely correct!!!! i cant beleive the ignorance of some people! im damn sure i would not approach a stranger whos armed and most likely braking the law!?!?? ging125 has not done anything wrong here! as a responsible citizen and a responsible and aware shooter he did what he should of done and called the police! You have your concerns and rightly so, as its at your door. Why should you confront someone with a gun when you can ring the police and they can sort it out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vagante Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 See http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/66/section/161 Highways Act 1980, Chapter 66, Section 161 161 Penalties for causing certain kinds of danger or annoyance.... (1) ... (2)If a person without lawful authority or excuse— (a) ... (b)discharges any firearm or firework within 50 feet of the centre of such a highway, and in consequence a user of the highway is injured, interrupted or endangered, that person is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale. Some people quote the law but leave out the part about "...injured, interrupted or endangered..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ears Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 (edited) I see the police turned up again in a hurry from your phone call. 12 hours later still no sign of them. Thats why i would not phoned them in the first place (knowing the outcome). Anyway i think you did the wrong thing mate. You should have gone out a spoke with the guy,if you were upset by him shooting near the road. There are a few chaps that have permission over council land these days. And shame on you to phone the old bill without doing so. As for telling the police before you go shooting in case someone calls them, what a joke. back in the 1990's i used to call my local police station, to let them know that i would be shooting on a local golf course. They sent out an armed unit after midnight on two occasions.. what a bunch of pillocks,so i dont bother to phone them anymore wherever i shoot. If they want to come out they can.I just try to make sure i am always shooting sensibley and within the law. You could always ring the land-owner or the council in daylight hours to see if anyone had permission to be shooting there, if you did not want to confront the bloke for your own safety. If there answer is, no one has permission,then call the police. Edited January 31, 2013 by Ears Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ging125 Posted January 31, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 I see the police turned up again in a hurry from your phone call. 12 hours later still no sign of them. Thats why i would not phoned them in the first place (knowing the outcome). Anyway i think you did the wrong thing mate. You should have gone out a spoke with the guy,if you were upset by him shooting near the road. There are a few chaps that have permission over council land these days. And shame on you to phone the old bill without doing so. As for telling the police before you go shooting in case someone calls them, what a joke. back in the 1990's i used to call my local police station, to let them know that i would be shooting on a local golf course. They sent out an armed unit after midnight on two occasions.. what a bunch of pillocks,so i dont bother to phone them anymore wherever i shoot. If they want to come out they can.I just try to make sure i am always shooting sensibley and within the law. You could always ring the land-owner or the council in daylight hours to see if anyone had permission to be shooting there, if you did not want to confront the bloke for your own safety. If there answer is, no one has permission,then call the police. Please read all my posts before commenting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the hide shooter Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 I see the police turned up again in a hurry from your phone call. 12 hours later still no sign of them. Thats why i would not phoned them in the first place (knowing the outcome). Anyway i think you did the wrong thing mate. You should have gone out a spoke with the guy,if you were upset by him shooting near the road. There are a few chaps that have permission over council land these days. And shame on you to phone the old bill without doing so. As for telling the police before you go shooting in case someone calls them, what a joke. back in the 1990's i used to call my local police station, to let them know that i would be shooting on a local golf course. They sent out an armed unit after midnight on two occasions.. what a bunch of pillocks,so i dont bother to phone them anymore wherever i shoot. If they want to come out they can.I just try to make sure i am always shooting sensibley and within the law. You could always ring the land-owner or the council in daylight hours to see if anyone had permission to be shooting there, if you did not want to confront the bloke for your own safety. If there answer is, no one has permission,then call the police. you say he did the wrong thing!? but you were not there to weigh up the situation! he was ! an armed person shooting or whatever in a public place or extremely close to a public place is not the thing to be doing, when im shooting i take great care to avoid shooting near roads or atleast within a very safe distance, this guy didnt and there fore i would say he was irresponsible to say the least! and obviously ging125 thought the same! its easy to sit there and say he was wrong, but what exactly has he caused to happen thats so wrong???? maybe he could have had rotten scumbag poacher banged up!!! please explain because im struggling to see your point here, realy struggling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ears Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 (edited) What i am saying is. the guy could have had permission and been shooting to close to the road etc. You could have opened your window and shouted at him or walked out there to go and see him. The next morning he could have checked with the land owner to see who had permission. if there was no permission granted, then he could have notified the police and the landowner, that someone was shooting behind his house, shooting close to the road etc. He could have been a poacher with no permission at all, your man could have phoned a friend for back up, gone out there or gone on his own letting his wife or misses know he would be back in a certain time etc and spoken with him, and what his concerns were. If he could not explain for his whereabouts and who had given him permission etc, You could then pick up your phone and call the police. you could have followed without him knowing and took the number of his car if you had the time,but was probubly not the case. This man could have been a fellow shooter/could have been a poacher. His decission was to call the police.Mine would not have been. Yes i did read your post about speaking with the council now you know. so next time call the police cause now you are sure. Edited January 31, 2013 by Ears Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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