Sir, I have responsibility, on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers, in assisting police forces (letters, March 19) to tackle the criminal use of firearms across the UK.

The proliferation of weapons available to criminals is a myth. In my own force area the number of fatal shootings and serious woundings involving guns has reduced by 16 per cent in the past two years. Reported increases in gun crime across the UK are mainly due to the inclusion in official figures of non-lethal imitation firearms (mainly ball-bearing guns).

Gun crime is, however, a major cause of public concern and we are finding ways of minimising the disproportionate effect it has on some people. These include working in partnership with leaders and members of the community, changes in the criminal justice system and determined police action, which all help to give witnesses to gun crime the confidence to give us important information.

Yours faithfully,
ALAN GREEN
Deputy Chief Constable,
Greater Manchester Police,
PO Box 22, Manchester M16 0RE.
March 19.

From Mr Michael Jay

Sir, Criticism of Michael Howard’s expression of regret over the handgun ban (reports, March 19) is understandable but misplaced.

As you report, after the UK handgun ban, gun crime and violence have increased. Restrictive gun control helps criminals. Of course, legal gun owners must be properly educated in their safe use but legally held guns rarely cause crime and certainly deter many criminals even when they are not used.

Banning guns here has not stopped criminals getting them and helps criminals because they know their victims cannot do anything to fight back.

Yours sincerely,
MICHAEL JAY,
25 Ringwood Way,
Hampton, Middlesex TW12 1AT.
March 21.

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