A man has been jailed after attempting to steal firearms from a Doncaster gun shop, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance within the firearms retail sector. Gavin Smedley, 37, was arrested after breaking into a store and attempting to steal three guns on 17 March.
The store’s intruder alarm was activated and within two minutes, a police officer arrived on the scene and found Smedley with the firearms in his possession. When confronted, he dropped the guns and was arrested.
Smedley later claimed he had simply found the firearms on the ground, but evidence, including a hole cut into the roof and a saw left nearby, pointed to a premeditated burglary attempt. He pleaded guilty to one charge of burglary and three counts of possessing a firearm without a certificate. On 5 September, Sheffield Crown Court sentenced him to one year and 10 months in prison.
This incident serves as a reminder to all gun retailers of the importance of robust security measures. The swift police response in this case prevented the firearms from entering illegal circulation, but it underscores the need for vigilance in protecting valuable and potentially dangerous stock.
PC Luke O’Donnell, the arresting officer, noted the potential harm such crimes could cause: “The damage Smedley could have caused if he had been successful in stealing these guns cannot be understated. We are committed to targeting individuals linked to firearms offences.”
Gun retailers are urged to regularly review their security protocols and ensure systems such as alarms, CCTV and secure storage are properly maintained to help protect against similar incidents. Anyone with concerns about potential threats or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact their local authorities.
For further guidance on firearms security, retailers can reach out to their local police firearms licensing team or industry associations such as the Gun Trade Association.