Police in West Yorkshire say they are making inroads into tackling gun crime and firearms offences.

West Yorkshire Police says that between April 2020 and March 2021 there were:

  • 23 firearms discharges reported in West Yorkshire, down from 42 the year before, and less than half the number there were five years ago;
  • 280 firearms recovered, up from 228 the previous year and 102 from 2015-16;
  • Four firearms stolen; compared to 25 in 2019/20.

Det Supt Carl Galvin, Head of Serious and Organised Crime, said: “Precision, our approach to tackling serious and organised crime, relies heavily on both partners and the public.

“In this way we can do all we can to try and deter those on the fringes of criminality and target those who choose to commit it. I want to thank our partners and the public who have been integral in identifying and disrupting serious criminality.

“By preventing those who would use weapons to cause fear and harm from having access to firearms, we are making West Yorkshire a safer place for everyone,” Det Supt Galvin added.

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Det Chief Insp Fiona Gaffney, of West Yorkshire Police’s Programme Precision, said: “Any use of a firearm has the potential to kill or serious injure someone; to damage property or cause fear and concern in the wider community.

“This isn’t acceptable, and we investigate every use of a firearm to make sure the weapon is recovered and taken off the streets and that those involved are convicted.

“The public have a key part to play in helping us keep your family, friends and the wider public safe. If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact the police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

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In February West Yorkshire Police reported how overall crime was down 8.8%.

In the 12 months to September 2020 when compared to the same period the previous year, the latest Office for National Statistics publication revealed:

  • Robbery down 26.7% – 1,013 fewer victims
  • Violence with injury down 8.6% – 2,392 fewer victims
  • House burglary down 26.8% – 4,790 fewer victims
  • Vehicle crime down 23.7% – 5,320 fewer victims