The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Hi,
I am planning to put in a variation for 8 additional rifles, I currently have 3 rifles (303,223,22lr) and a shotgun, I am a member of NRA but recently joined LERA and would like another 4 x .303's, 1 x 308/7.62, 1 x 30-06, 1 x .223, 1 x .22lr anyway I just wondered should I put a burglar alarm in as will the police request one? My reason for so many on a variation is because that is what I wish to get in the near future and the length of times for variation or should I apply for 4 then when I get them apply for another 4, as I would rather not get rejected and although I have had my shotgun licence for a few years I have only had my fac for 6 months but been a member of a club for 2 years.
Cheers

Number of guns alone is NOT sufficient reason for them to insist on an alarm.

Never had an alarm yet - but do have several cabinets, so the collection is somewhat spread out

Factors for consideration
19.8. These include the following:
a) A risk assessment based on the levels of property crime in the area. This might
be obtained from police officers working locally. These may be subject to sudden
temporary changes and it is helpful to look at the longer-term trends of property crime
in an area. The incidence of gun theft in the area might also be a factor;
b) The remoteness or otherwise of the premises, and the potential response to calls for
assistance, either by police or neighbours;
c) The manner in which the property is overlooked and/or illuminated. These are
significant factors in deterring burglars;
d) The extent to which the property is occupied or left unoccupied;
e) The location of storage points within the property and where appropriate the
distribution of firearms within each secure point;
f) The attractiveness of the type of firearms to criminals. Muzzle-loading firearms for
example, whether original or reproduction, are not generally considered attractive
to criminals;
g) The number of firearms held; and
h) Whether it is generally known that firearms are stored on the premises.

Level 2
19.33. Where the individual circumstances are such that additional security might be required
(for example, a high crime location, building regularly unoccupied, substantial number of
firearms on the premises, repeat victimisation etc.), in addition to the provision of a suitable
cabinet, gun room or safe, the following may be considered:

a) The final exit door locks should be to BS3621 or equivalent and any French windows/
patio doors should have an integral locking system or be provided with supplementary
locks to frustrate forcible opening, together with anti-lift blocks if applicable;
b) Windows on the ground floor and those accessible from flat roofs etc should be fitted
with an appropriate type and number of locks which are self-latching or key operated.
These should have casement-to-frame locking along the opening edge;
c) An audible intruder alarm to the appropriate standard protecting either the whole of the
premises or those parts of the premises deemed necessary;
d) Mitigating the risk by dividing up the number of guns between several secure locations.

19.34. For these purposes, a “substantial” number of firearms should be considered with regard
to the type of firearms, their potential danger if misused and their likely attractiveness to
criminals. At the lower end the number might vary between 6 and 10, depending on the
type of firearm concerned, whilst anything over 10 would rarely be lower than level 2.
However, it is not enough to base an assessment on the number of firearms alone; all
factors mentioned above should be taken into account. Sound moderators, spare barrels,
spare cylinders and component parts should not be considered as part of this total.
19.35. If the certificate holder provides a different form of security which equates to that provided
above (such as a reinforced gun room or other area), this may also be accepted as suitable.
The comments made in reference to PVCu and other specialist products are also applicable.

Cheers Saddler

Cambridgeshire policy is 9 then an alarm is required.

Alan

Northamptonshire pretty much insisted I had one if > 8 firearms.

never heard of anyone needing an alarm down my way no matter how many firearms they have

S Wales arbitrarily suggest 12. I'm over that "limit", having declined the suggestion to fit an alarm at last two FEO visits. They have just added 3 more firearms to my ticket at renewal.

Local guidelines...

Mm seems quite random, will wait and see what Hampshie say

I was told that Avon and Somerset insist on one at 6......

Bedfordshire seemed to base alarms on anything into double figures however that should be firearms, not spare barrels or suppressors.

Another thing to consider is the type, are they happy with a maintained system wireless/hybrid that makes a noise that is invariably ignored by neighbours. Or do they want a fully monitored grade 3 system with shock, breaking glass, anti mask sensors and so on with fully hard wired circuits plus police responce if deemed necessary.

Our neighbours have been advised to walk away if the alarm is triggered here.