I heared a loud crack a couple of weeks ago late at night but when I went to investigate with the dogs we couldn't see anything amiss...However whilst decorating my bathroom 2 days ago I found a hole in the outer pane of my double glazed window and can clearly see the pellet between the panes of glass...My elder brother said by law I have to report anything to do with a firearm to the police but i'm not so sure.....Any police officers from the UK out there who could tell me if I have to report it please????
2007-05-15 09:05:48 · 30 answers · asked by . 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I would suggest that you do report it.
You aren't legally obliged to report anything and I often hear people say, 'it isn't really worth reporting it'.
I'll be completely honest with you, it's not an ideal world and as such, not every crime that's investigated is detected (solved) and in this case it probably wont be solved as it doesn't sound like there's much evidence. However, if a crime is never reported, it can never be investigated.
I think the Police would want to know if someone is shooting at peoples property, even if it is 'only kids messing about'.
Hope this helps.
2007-05-15 13:00:09 · answer #1 · answered by Ian UK 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's an actual bullet from a real firearm, reporting it would be the proper thing to do. If, however, it's only a pellet (.177 cal) like from an air rifle (which is NOT a firearm), then I don't know how the laws in the UK work. Here in the U.S. it would be reported is simple vandalism or maybe destruction of private property.
2007-05-15 09:09:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to report it.
However, it's a good idea to report it, becuse the shot that put the hole in your window might have been involved in a shooting that killed someone.You could be helping to solve a murder.
Also, let's say (for the sake of argument) that someone is trying to frighten you or give you a warning. If you don't report it, and it doesn't get investigated, then perhaps the next time, the shooter might actually aim for you or your dogs.
2007-05-15 12:47:06 · answer #3 · answered by crusader rabbitt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello ima policeman! i cant answer this i just like boasting!
ONLY JOKING
Legally you are not required to report a crime where you are the victim, even if it is a bullet through the window.
I suspect this is an air rifle pellet as a bullet would have gone through and embedded in the wall even a lower caliber.
It's completely up to you.
I would suggest though that you report it to your neighbourhood (or community ) PC.
The chances are they wont catch anyone, but statistically it will help them determin if there is a trend, if there are any similar crimes, and who knows they may have someone in mind who's being anti-social who may have been running around with an air rifle that day.
2007-05-15 09:53:07 · answer #4 · answered by the mofo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would only report it if you intend to put in an insurance claim to have the window repaired. I doubt very much if the police would be interested. It would only mean filling in a crime report with no clearance. Many things can cause damage to glass. However if it happens again and you feel under threat certainly report it.
2007-05-15 10:06:52 · answer #5 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's only a pellet it's kids with an air rifle, it's not technically a firearms offence but you should call the cops, report it, and at least they'll know there's some little git taking shots at houses. Whether they do anything about it, well, your guess is as good as mine.
And besides, if it's only houses at the moment and you don't report it, how're you gonna feel if some kid gets their eye put out by another pellet?
Report it.
2007-05-15 09:20:50 · answer #6 · answered by Beastie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should report it but you should not expect them to catch anyone. What you describe as a pellet suggests that its just some kids with an air rifle. Pellets can be dangerous if they hit you in the eye or another sensitive spot. When I was young there were several kids with air rifles in my neighborhood, and I was pretty scared. But no-once could catch anyone.
2007-05-15 09:38:54 · answer #7 · answered by Always Hopeful 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure that you are obliged to report it to the police. They don't take BB guns, or air rifles, very seriously. I had to call them out to deal with some jack asses shooting an air rifle at the horses (out on a ride) and they weren't interested. One of the riders ended up with a pellet lodged in her arm. The next time I had to call them out, for the same reason, I told them I wasn't able to identify the type of gun. They sent a full armed response unit! Funnily enough, the guys with the air rifle stopped being stupid after that!...
2007-05-15 10:06:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm certainly not sure of any laws in the UK that require you to report such a thing --- BUT -- you might just go ahead and do this -- OR -- you could wait around for the possibility that someone else would report it when they find a couple of bullet holes in YOU !!!
2007-05-15 09:18:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
UK law does prohibit the use and possession of firearms, so technically, yes you should report it since you were witness to a felony.
2007-05-15 09:08:33 · answer #10 · answered by Johnny O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋