FAC/SGC renewals - North Wales Police

[robbiep]

Received today from NWP, a 'round-robin' email (I'm on their list because of farm / neighbourhood watch)

 

Dear Watch Member,

Gun owners due to renew their shotgun or firearms certificate this year should make sure they get their application in with plenty of time to spare.

2015 is one of the peak years of licensing activity as a regular five-year cycle of large numbers of certificates needing renewal approaches.

North Wales Police are advising owners to get their applications in at least eight weeks before their certificate is due to expire.

Simon Noton, Operations Manager for North Wales Police’ Administration of Justice Department said: “It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that their certificates are renewed. To help us renew certificates in time we are recommending that you submit your renewal forms at least eight weeks before the expiry of your certificate.

“If you submit your application from outside of this eight-week period then it is your responsibility to find alternative storage arrangements for your shotguns/firearms and ammunition.”

The possession and use of firearms in the UK is prohibited unless you have been granted a suitable licence by the police. A licence to use or possess firearms or shotguns will only be granted to those people who can demonstrate they have good reason for using a firearm and pose no risk to the public

Mr Noton added: “Our priority is to support the legal, safe and secure possession of firearms within North Wales. In accordance with Home Office Guidance North Wales Police will not issue you with a section 7 permit if you have failed to submit your application form in good time.

“If your renewal application is unfortunately delayed by North Wales Police we will automatically issue you a section 7 permit prior to the expiry date to cover your continued possession of shotguns/firearms and ammunition.”

In October last year North Wales Police joined other police forces across England and Wales as part of a campaign calling for firearms owners to ensure their guns were kept securely.

The campaign was launched in support of the Home Office who updated their firearms guidance allowing forces and constabularies to conduct unannounced home visits.

The Firearms Act state that weapons must be kept safe and secure at all time to prevent unauthorised access, as far as is reasonably practicable.

Further guidance regarding the safe storage of firearms is available via the Home Office (link tohttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/117794/security_leaflet.pdf)

Further information regarding firearms licensing – including all fees is available via this link (http://www.north-wales.police.uk/about-us/departments/firearms-licensing.aspx)

If you need to reply regarding this message, click on this email address: watch@owlcymru.org

Regards,
OWLWatch Eastern