Clare firearms owners reminded of responsibilities

CLARE gardai have reminded owners of firearms in the county of their “considerable obligations” to ensure weapons are stored safely and securely.

Clare crime prevention officer Sergeant Triona Brooks has said people licenced to hold and use fireams must take great care with them both in the home and whilst travelling to a shoot or to a hunt.

She noted that possession and carriage of any firearms including a short firearm / ammunition concealed on the person in public is not permitted at any time except in circumstances where such possession and carriage on the person is necessary for a lawful purpose.

She offered the following security advice for the safe carriage/storage of firearms.
1. In the case of self-loading (semi-automatic) pistols and revolvers consideration may be given to a requirement to dismantle each gun when not at the range with some necessary parts held at the range.

2. During transport, firearms must always be stored in a case/sleeve, out of sight in a locked vehicle boot. They should not be immediately accessible to the driver or any passenger.

3. No gun should be loaded with ammunition while travelling to or from a shoot.

4. Where possible, rifle bolts and shotgun fore ends, pistol top slides and magazines should be removed and kept separately.

5. A firearm should never be left inside the seating area of a vehicle, whether occupied or not.

6. If it is necessary to stop and leave the vehicle, reasonable steps should be taken to ensure the safety of the firearm. It is a good idea to also place in the boot anything which might indicate that a firearm may be in the vehicle e.g. hunting clothing, binoculars etc.

“We just want to remind firearms holders that if they have not as yet renewed their firearms licence to do so immediately,” concluded Sergeant Brooks.