Dear Editor,
I am a police officer and I write with regards to the crime situation and the subsequent reasons for amendments to the Firearms Act.
Whilst it is any Government’s wish to curb the present crime situation, especially those incidents with firearms, I notice with concern that with most of the amendments passed through so far, it is law-abiding citizens who are affected, for example, the prohibition of bulletproof vests and flare guns. We must take note that the criminals do not worry about fees and penalties.
I would like to ask your input as to an idea with regards to how to directly go after the criminal element. This idea came to me after reading five different countries’ laws governing firearms.
I would like the Government to create an offence, “possession of a firearm without serial numbers.” I am not referring to those old-time 16-gauge shotguns presently being used by farmers.
If the person is found guilty, he/she must be sentenced to five years for the first offence, and it increases anytime the person repeats the offence. Whenever the person is charged, the Customs Department will also levy a charge of dealing with uncustomed goods. This offence will also have a heavy fine for the violator.
I do not think any law-abiding person who has been granted a gun license would buy a firearm without serial numbers; moreover, whenever a person is caught, either at a crime scene or near a crime scene and a firearm is found, one would hear on the news that the gun had no serial numbers.
Looking at this scenario, I believe that the creation of this new offence WILL target the criminals.
Name withheld by request