News
Dyfed-Powys spotlighted for high number of shotgun certificate holders
IN a recent comprehensive study by security analysts at Get Licensed, the Dyfed-Powys police force area has been spotlighted for its high number of shotgun certificate holders, positioning itself prominently within the UK. With over 2,400 shotgun certificate holders per 100,000 people, the region is now among the top 10 areas in the United Kingdom, showcasing a significant engagement in lawful shotgun ownership.
This landmark report, dubbed the UK Firearm Report, delves deep into various facets of firearm ownership, including offence rates, certificate issuances, and the economic impact of the certification process. The findings place Dyfed-Powys at the zenith of the list, revealing a total of 12,918 firearm and shotgun certificate holders, which translates to an impressive 2,489.02 holders per 100,000 people in the area.
Rank | Police force area | Firearm certificate holders | Shotgun certificate holders | Firearm and/or shotgun certificate holders | Firearm and/or shotgun certificate holders per 100,000 |
1 | Dyfed-Powys | 4,239 | 12,611 | 12,918 | 2,489.02 |
2 | North Yorkshire | 6,652 | 17,375 | 17,869 | 2,157.83 |
3 | Norfolk | 5,160 | 19,447 | 19,833 | 2,143.41 |
4 | Suffolk | 4,457 | 15,455 | 15,779 | 2,052.95 |
5 | West Mercia | 7,225 | 25,400 | 25,933 | 1,973.59 |
6 | Wiltshire | 3,518 | 12,649 | 12,949 | 1,723.09 |
7 | Lincolnshire | 3,893 | 12,339 | 12,661 | 1,632.62 |
8 | Gloucestershire | 2,597 | 10,194 | 10,410 | 1,595.65 |
9 | Cumbria | 2,826 | 7,217 | 7,507 | 1,492.45 |
10 | North Wales | 2,810 | 9,625 | 9,886 | 1,436.50 |
A Closer Look at Dyfed-Powys
The research conducted by Get Licensed sheds light on several key aspects of firearms in the Dyfed-Powys area. Notably, there have been 33 offences involving firearms per 100,000 people recorded over the past decade. Furthermore, the region hosts 8 firearms dealers per 100,000 people and boasts an astounding figure of 6,557 shotguns per 100,000 individuals.
In the year spanning April 2022 to March 2023, the area witnessed 62 firearm certificates being revoked, highlighting the stringent measures in place to ensure public safety. Additionally, around 2.71% of firearm applications were rejected during the 2022/23 period, indicating a rigorous vetting process. Financially, the population of Dyfed-Powys has invested approximately £175,319 in renewing and applying for shotgun and firearm certificates, showcasing the community’s commitment to responsible gun ownership.
National Context and Comparisons
The report also provides a broader perspective on firearm and shotgun certification across the UK. For instance, the West Midlands police force has recorded the highest number of firearm offences, with more than 200 incidents per 100,000 people. Warwickshire emerges as the area with the highest number of firearms dealers, and Durham sees the highest rate of firearms application rejections.
In terms of licence revocations, Devon and Cornwall lead the way, while Kent’s residents have spent the most on their firearm and shotgun certificates, surpassing £310k. The report also highlights that BB guns/soft air weapons were the most reported principal weapon in the last decade, featuring in nearly 13,000 incidents.
Implications and Insights
The prominence of Dyfed-Powys in the realm of shotgun certificates speaks volumes about the region’s culture and its people’s enthusiasm for shooting sports and activities. It also underlines the importance of rigorous checks and balances in place to ensure that firearm ownership remains a safe and regulated practice within the community.
As this comprehensive report circulates, it not only places Dyfed-Powys on the map for its notable high rate of shotgun certificate holders but also encourages a dialogue on the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership. For the full insights and details, the UK Firearm Report by Get Licensed is available for public access, providing an in-depth look at firearm statistics across the nation.
Crime
Arrests made after large-scale cannabis operation raided in Pembroke Dock
POLICE in Pembroke Dock have uncovered yet another large-scale cannabis operation, as part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal farms in the area. On Monday (Nov 4), Dyfed-Powys Police executed a search warrant at a property on Dimond Street, where officers found over 500 cannabis plants in a sophisticated cultivation setup.
Two men, aged 26 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently in police custody. The raid follows a series of similar operations in Pembrokeshire, targeting properties used for illegal drug cultivation.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Health
Rising trend of private healthcare use among friends and family in Wales
MORE than half of UK residents report having close family or friends who have used private healthcare services, according to the latest data from the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN). In Wales, this figure is 58%, slightly above the UK-wide average of 55%. Meanwhile, 32% of Britons have used private healthcare themselves, with regions such as the East Midlands (64%) and Northern Ireland (59%) showing even higher familiarity with private healthcare options.
David Hare, Chief Executive of IHPN, said: “Private healthcare is becoming more mainstream, with people increasingly opting for private services to access healthcare more easily and quickly. Our findings highlight that most people in the UK know someone close who has used private healthcare, whether through insurance or self-pay. This demonstrates a shift toward private healthcare as a convenient and accessible option.”
The survey found that 45% of those choosing private healthcare did so because of long NHS waiting times, while 27% preferred the ease of booking private appointments. Around 20% receive private healthcare through work, and 17% believe private services offer higher-quality care. Accessibility is another key factor, with half of respondents agreeing that private healthcare is more accessible than NHS options.
Top Treatments Accessed Privately:
- Doctor consultation: 45%
- Diagnostic treatment (e.g., scans): 45%
- Other healthcare professional consultations: 35%
- GP appointments: 34%
- Minor operations (same-day discharge): 25%
- Major operations (overnight stay): 16%
- Ongoing serious condition treatment (e.g., cancer): 5%
IHPN’s Five Steps to Choosing Private Healthcare
If you’re considering private healthcare, IHPN suggests these key steps:
- Do Your Research: Consult inspection reports from national care regulators like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN). Scotland and Wales have independent inspectorates, available at hiw.org.uk and healthcareimprovementscotland.scot.
- Explore Payment Plans: Many providers offer flexible payment options, making private care more affordable.
- Find Local Options: Use resources such as ihpn.org.uk or phin.org.uk to locate private providers nearby.
- Take Control: It’s your choice; seek recommendations from friends and family or consult online ratings to find the right clinician or clinic. Your GP can also offer support.
- Book a Consultation: Before committing, schedule a consultation with a private provider to discuss treatment options and ask questions. Bring someone you trust if you wish, and take notes.
For more information on private healthcare options in the UK, visit ihpn.org.uk. For additional information, interviews, or case studies, contact Helen Trevorrow at 0794 000 9138 or [email protected].
Source: Statistics are from the “Going Private 2024” report by IHPN and Public First, based on a survey of 2,004 respondents across the UK.
Health
Smoke-free ambitions clouded by concerns over illicit market
THE UK government introduced its Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Parliament today, aiming to create a “smoke-free generation” by prohibiting anyone born after 1 January 2009 from legally purchasing cigarettes for the rest of their lives. The Bill also proposes strict new restrictions on nicotine products, including vapes, heat-not-burn products, and nicotine pouches.
Public health experts in Wales are largely supportive of the new legislation, seeing it as a potential driver in reducing the strain on the NHS in Wales. Smoking-related illnesses are a major contributor to healthcare costs, and advocates argue that curbing smoking among future generations will yield long-term health and economic benefits. This could be especially impactful in Welsh regions where smoking rates are persistently high.
However, there is also concern about how restrictions on safer nicotine alternatives, such as vapes and heat-not-burn products, could impact Welsh individuals trying to quit smoking. The Welsh NHS has invested in smoking cessation programs that promote these alternatives, and some fear that restrictions on these products may reduce access to effective cessation tools, ultimately affecting health outcomes.
Mike Salem, UK Country Associate for the Consumer Choice Center (CCC), reacted to the news: “Whilst it is predictable that the prohibition was going to be introduced, I am extremely concerned and disappointed with how little regard the government has had for consumers’ voices, particularly the young voices.”
The Bill revives an initiative initially proposed by the previous Conservative government before the election, though Labour’s version brings in tougher regulations. The proposal has sparked debates across various groups, with health advocates supporting the measures and others, like the CCC, voicing concerns about potential unintended consequences.
Illicit market worries
The CCC has highlighted fears that prohibitions may fuel an already significant black market for tobacco products in the UK. According to Salem, 2023 saw the highest number of illicit cigarettes consumed in the country, with one in five cigarettes sold illegally. He warns that restrictions risk expanding this underground market.
“It is no surprise that gangs and illegal suppliers are already positioning themselves in this market in anticipation of the prohibition,” Salem said. He cited experiences from other regions, such as the state of Victoria in Australia, where similar prohibitions have led to gang-related violence and exposed children to criminal activities, including arson.
Impact on young people
Critics of the Bill argue that the Labour Party’s approach may negatively impact young people, whom they claim are already disadvantaged by recent policies. “The Labour Party has shown that it is the Party of Boomers, and is letting young people down,” Salem said. He added that recent increases in tuition fees and levies on alcohol and soft drinks, along with tougher employment markets, restrict young people’s lifestyle choices and increase their exposure to illegal markets.
Public health debate
Supporters of the Bill believe these measures are necessary to protect public health. They argue that strict controls on tobacco and nicotine products are crucial steps towards reducing smoking rates, improving long-term health outcomes, and reducing the burden on the NHS. Advocates also believe that limiting youth exposure to nicotine will reduce future smoking rates.
However, Salem argues that the Bill may have the opposite effect. “Not everyone can quit cold turkey,” he said, noting that many people have found success using alternative products like vapes, heat-not-burn devices, and nicotine pouches. “Restricting safer methods of consuming nicotine makes it extremely difficult for those who are trying hard to quit smoking to do so permanently and positively.”
Alternative solutions proposed
The CCC says it is calling on the government to ensure existing laws are enforced first, such as banning nicotine sales to under-18s, before introducing a total prohibition. They argue that failing to do so will lead to worse public health outcomes and put consumers and children in a vulnerable position. The Bill now moves forward for further debate, with both sides urging careful consideration of the potential impacts on public health, youth, and the illicit market.
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