'Manchester firearm holders too negligent'

Mandeville, Manchester:

Licensed firearm holders in Manchester could face stricter penalties for losing their guns as the police continue to battle with the increased incidents of negligence.

"It has been a consistent challenge since the two years that I have been here," said Superintendent Wayne Cameron.

He said a total of nine weapons were lost in 2017 and eight have been lost up to October of this year.

"We lost all of two in October. A business establishment was broken into. Criminals went into a safe and took the firearms, along with money and jewellery," Cameron said.

"Another case that is quite puzzling is that of a gentleman and his family who were at home sleeping when thieves cut off the grille to their house, then cut off the door to the house. They went in and woke him up and robbed him. No one said they heard anything. While robbing him, they saw his firearm licence in his wallet and demanded the gun as well," Cameron reported.

The commanding officer compared the incidents of stolen licensed firearms in Manchester to Clarendon, where criminality is much higher.

"Clarendon firearm holders do not lose their firearms. There was an incident in Clarendon where culprits challenged a licensed firearm holder and he put them to rest; but it is quite the reverse in Manchester.

"I am currently investigating a case where a man fired 21 shots in one night and claimed he saw a shadow. I will have to continue to encourage these licensed holders to be far more responsible."

He said those who continue to be negligent by leaving their weapons in their vehicles will be prosecuted.