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The number of firearms alone is not enough to stipulate the fitting of an alarm system, as stated in the 2005 Firearm Security Handbook.

Yes I know, I've had this discussion with several club members, but my FEO said it was also based on other criteria like local crime rate as well, so essentially a risk assessment for the property. I live in a really safe village, so personally I think with all the best intentions they were trying their luck. The alarm was pretty cheap and it's a doddle to activate/deactivate so I didn't mind on this occasion.

HALODIN wrote:Yes I know, I've had this discussion with several club members, but my FEO said it was also based on other criteria like local crime rate as well, so essentially a risk assessment for the property. I live in a really safe village, so personally I think with all the best intentions they were trying their luck. The alarm was pretty cheap and it's a doddle to activate/deactivate so I didn't mind on this occasion.

So you didn't have to have a monitored alarm, I'm just waiting to see what Surrey say about the variation I have put in for, I currently have 13 firearms/shotguns and have put in for another 4 slots with a deposit already sitting on a rifle at an RFD. As already mentioned there is no official mention of a limit as far as I can see as I have read all of the Firearms Act and can see no mention.

No it didn't have to be monitored, but they stipulated it must be able to ring 2 numbers, one of which must be a land line and also have an external siren. I believe they are on a push for all FAC holders to have one fitted in Northamptonshire, it's more a question of whether it happens at grant, renewal or variation. If you're forced to get one, I would recommend one with a keyfob as it's as easy as locking your car and in hindsight I think they should be mandatory considering what good value they are.

:roll::roll::roll::roll:

HALODIN wrote:I think they should be mandatory considering what good value they are.

Not bad if you've got the spare few hundred quid!
I know you're never strapped for cash ;-) but some of us have other properties and don't have the space or money for 14 guns either!

I don't read my own signature!

I got a monitored alarm when I converted my gun room, I had 30 odd firearms in cabinets and it was getting a chew on so with the dowter going off to university I promptly took over her vacant room and had the work done to make it into a secure gun room with a monitored alarm as per the HO guidance. I did that to protect my then growing collection and have a better environment for me and my firearms.

When I was increasing my number of FAC slots to over 70 it took them a few months to get the application processed but it came through in due course. The issue I heard on the grape vine was how would firearms licensing manage the variations that number of slots could generate, I don't know how true that is but there was certainly a feeling that they couldn't find grounds to refuse the application as I met the criteria and if they could have said no then no doubt they would have but at the same time they were uncomfortable about saying yes. Anyway I got what I wanted with patience and good communication with firearms licensing. Overall I found/find them reasonable and supportive in trying to assist. Make your case and they take it on board.

At one time before I had my gun room and was increasing my number of slots, the crime prevention officer's report, they were then being used to advise on security and did the visits, would have turned my house into the Tower Of London. I thought this unreasonable in relation to the risk, presented my case to firearms licensing and they agreed with my proposed level of security. With the obvious caveat that the security of my firearms was ultimately and solely my responsibility.

I have found my firearms licensing team to be reasonable if you genuinely approach them in the spirit of the guidance and the legislation.

It depends what you think you're getting for your money. If you think it won't protect your family, your house or your rifles then I can see your point of view, but it gives me confidence that it will. That £500 was going towards my AI AT .260, so it's set me back but it was worth it IMO.

Demonic69 wrote::roll::roll::roll::roll:

Not bad if you've got the spare few hundred quid!
I know you're never strapped for cash ;-) but some of us have other properties and don't have the space or money for 14 guns either!

I don't read my own signature!

The only issue I had was that I wanted to collect expanding (inert) as I collect cartridges.

FEO said I did not need one for components, I argued, he said sod it, I will put you down for AP as well then you will have to have a slot...bargain, sorted, no need to enter on FAC, just a blanket to cover the bist and bats people very kindly donate to the Maggot/Ovenpaa arms cache :goodjob:

A friend of mine wanted something on his FAC. I forget what, a long barrelled pistol ONO, nothing really nefarious like a 40/60 mounting.

He was told no, so he phoned "god" (not my FEO or anyone I know) and asked why not....cleverly doing it on speaker phone in front of his boss at work.

He was told "Because I dont want you to have one"....he and his boss saw red. His boss gave him free access to the company brief and he had his variation in due course

I've asked for 'clays only' on my shotgun and got an open ticket instead. Lucky me...