Nine firearms, including seven .32 pistols, have been reported stolen by licensed firearm holders since July and police have found that such weapons were used in a number of the robberies committed recently.
Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine, during a press conference yesterday, told reporters that most of the thefts were as a result of carelessness. He said, “It is the level of care and responsibility that was exercised that resulted in the theft of firearms.”
One shotgun and a 9 mm pistol were among the nine firearms that were stolen. Ramnarine said analyses have shown that in 80% of the recent robberies committed, .32 pistols were used and in seven instances the firearms used were stolen.
“There is a big hue and cry in this country for firearm licences and yet this is the level of responsibility we have exhibited; this is the kind of behaviour we have,” Ramnarine said, while adding that persons are granted the approval to have a personal firearm for their safety and protection.
He also made reference of several instances during which the firearms were stolen in an effort to highlight the level of carelessness exercise.
One such occurred at a gas station along the East Coast Demerara. “The security guard on duty was armed with a pistol and consuming alcohol with friends during which an argument ensued. He was hit on head and subsequently collapsed to ground, during which the firearm fell from his waist and was picked up by someone who was recently released from the prison,” Ramnarine explained.
“The irresponsible behaviour of persons who are expected to display a very high degree or level of personal discipline, particularly that they have permission to own and use a firearm contributes to not only to the challenges police officers face but to the general endangerment of society,” the acting commissioner added.
