Know the gun, know the law, know the consequences
We’re currently running a campaign to raise awareness of the UK's firearms legislation and stop illegal firearms from entering the country.
Know the law: It’s illegal to possess most firearms without a licence in the UK.
If you have information on the whereabouts of illegal firearms please contact the police, or get in touch with the independent charity Crimestoppers online or on 0800 555 111 to stay 100% anonymous.
Learn more about the key aspects of the UK's firearms legislation.
The threat from illegal firearms
Pistols, revolvers and shotguns are the firearms most frequently used illegally in the UK.
Whilst fully-automatic weapon seizures are very rare, we have seen a gradual increase and are working to prevent the supply into the UK. A substantial number of shootings involve firearms that have been illegally converted, modified or reactivated. This includes blank firearms that have been modified to fire.
The majority of shootings in the UK are committed by street gangs involved in many types of criminality, such as armed robberies and drug distribution. Victims of gun crime are generally known to the police which indicates that criminals use firearms in feuds with other criminal groups for protection, punishment or to extend their criminal enterprises.
Most criminal firearms have not been used before, indicating a fluid supply from within the UK and overseas. Data shows that illegal ammunition is also increasingly available in the UK.
How firearms enter the criminal market
Smuggled from Europe, via the dark web and parcel post – follow the journey of illegal firearms into the UK.
Illegal firearms are usually obtained through criminal networks and armourers, often exploiting cultural, ethnic and familial links to source regions. The market is supply-driven, meaning criminals’ choice of firearms is usually limited.
Illegal firearms are trafficked into the UK from central and eastern Europe, often consolidated in Belgium and the Netherlands before transiting via France. They are often concealed in vehicles on channel ferry and tunnel routes.
Few firearms are sold via the dark web, however it remains a way to buy and sell - especially for people who are not part of a criminal network. Such weapons would typically enter the UK as parcel post.
Stolen lawfully-held firearms presents another way that firearms can enter the criminal market. We encourage legal firearm holders to be vigilant and keep their guns locked and hidden away when not being used.
Our response
We work with partners across the globe to seize and remove illegal firearms currently in circulation. We also work to prevent unlawful firearms from making it into the UK in the first place.
In 2019/2020, 552 illegal firearms were seized as a result of NCA activity - 138 of these were UK seizures, 140 were NCA international seizures, and 274 were referred by the NCA to other law enforcement partners.
International action
The majority of illegal firearms in the UK originate overseas. We work closely with international partners to disrupt the flow of firearms at source, trafficked via distribution networks.
Many firearms smuggled into the UK have been ‘deactivated’ or modified overseas, but standards and controls vary greatly from country to country.
In some cases it is possible for guns to be reactivated or converted. To reduce this source of supply, the UK has influenced EU-level activity to standardise and tighten firearms legislation, with a new regulation establishing stringent guidelines on deactivation standards which were adopted by all member states.
Proposals have also been brought forward to amend the EU weapons directive to restrict the availability of certain firearms, in particular high-powered semi-automatic weapons.
Within the UK
The National Firearms Targeting Centre, run in close collaboration with counter-terrorism police, coordinates the national intelligence picture on firearms. We also work closely with police and other investigative and forensic agencies, such as the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS), to share intelligence and capabilities.
Border Force is a vital partner in securing our borders and preventing the trafficking of illegal firearms. Where Border Force seize firearms, the NCA conduct the investigation.
The NCA Armed Operations Unit provides tactical advice and surveillance to NCA and partner agency firearms investigations.
The Firearms Prevent Team aims to reduce the threat to the UK from the criminal acquisition, possession and use of firearms through innovation, technology and prevent initiatives. We use both internal and external stakeholder engagement to prevent criminals from gaining access to these weapons and limiting their ability to distribute and promote their criminal enterprises.
The NCA National Assessments Centre analyses all-source intelligence to articulate understanding on the firearms threat to the UK. Core and bespoke products inform agency, wider law enforcement and government planning and response.
How you can help
The public provide law enforcement with a vital source of information on illegal firearms. If you have any information about illegal firearms or any concerns about people having access to firearms, please report it to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.
Advice for licence holders
If you legally own a firearm, please ensure you comply with the terms of your licence or certificate. Please remember:
- Keep firearms locked and hidden when not being used
- Transport your firearms securely
- Be vigilant when carrying your firearm
- Be safe online and be cautious about who knows you own a firearm
Please read the firearms safety leaflet from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation for further information.
The Home Office firearms security handbook provides guidance on storing and transporting firearms.
