Conservative Lincolnshire PCC candidate pledges to bring gun licences back ‘in-house’

The granting of gun licences would be brought back under the control of Lincolnshire Police by Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Marc Jones.

Councillor Jones, a leading member of Lincolnshire County Council, has said he would not renew the contract of the private security company G4S, which currently operates the licences on behalf of the police.

The Tory candidate said gun users in Lincolnshire have complained to him about months of delays from G4S, with the firm being accused of failing to deliver on its contract.

G4S was awarded the contract for firearms licensing in April 2012.

There are approximately 40,000 guns in Lincolnshire with a licence, one of the highest numbers by county in the UK.

Marc Jones said: “I have been talking to gun users up and down the county and the current performance by G4S in issuing licences isn’t good enough.

I’ve heard stories of how law abiding residents have been threatened with gun seizures or incurred months of costs for storage because of delays and poor performance from the company.

“If given the honour of becoming Lincolnshire’s next police and crime commissioner I will not renew the gun licensing contract held by G4S and will bring back the service in-house to be dealt with by the police.

“I will also examine other areas of the massive G4S contract as taxpayers deserve value for money and an excellent service from the deal.”

One registered firearms dealer who has met Marc to discuss the problem is John Kaberry who runs his business John Kayberry Ltd from Lincoln and North Hykeham.

John said: “I’m glad Marc has pledged to take action on the issue. I’ve dealt with dozens of customers who have had delays of months after first applying for registration.

“They come from all walks of life from farmers to sportsmen, but they are not getting the service which is required which is both costly and dangerous.”

The county councillor has also launched his six-point plan for policing in Lincolnshire, listed below.

1. Introducing new ‘community constables’
2. Focusing on crime prevention
3. Dealing with rural crime seriously
4. Cleaning up streets
5. Treating victims of crime compassionately
6. Spending taxpayers’ money wisely