Firearms offences in Essex have jumped by 50 per cent, according to the Home Office.
A Dan Wesson 357 Magnum and a replica Colt Python Magnum
Figures showed that firearms offences, excluding airguns, rose from 98 in 2001/2 to 148 in 2002/3. But the number of offences per 100,000 population in Essex is still just nine - half the average for England and Wales at 20.
Essex Police were pleased that gun offences were half the national average. The force claimed the rise could be down to a new method where incidents are recorded even when there is no hard evidence that an offence has taken place.
Assistant chief constable (crime) Liam Brigginshaw said: "Essex has always been one of the safest counties in England. Any increase in crime presents a challenge to the police, Government and society as a whole. "
Published Friday January 23, 2004
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