Tough laws to tackle soaring gun crime

NEW firearms offences and tougher jail terms are to be introduced by the Government to combat rising gun crime.

Owners of firearms will also be legally obliged to secure them in safes in their homes.

Crime figures released by the Department of Justice yesterday showed a 40% increase in the discharge of firearms so far this year compared to 2003. More than 209,000 gun licences are issued each year.