TASER Concerns:: Criminals dodge
laws by buying stun guns on the net
Britain's criminals have begun to
arm themselves with potentially lethal stun guns and CS gas sprays in an
attempt to avoid harsh new sentences for possessing firearms and replica
weapons.
Figures obtained by The Observer show that in the past year the number
of handguns seized by Customs and Excise at ports and airports has fallen by
half, while the number of stun guns has almost doubled.
The weapons, which incapacitate victims for up to 15 minutes, are
officially classed as firearms, but have become increasingly popular with
muggers and robbers as they are highly effective but cause no permanent damage.
Last week a gang in Daventry, Northamptonshire, used a stun gun to attack
a lorry driver and steal his vehicle, which was carrying £250,000 worth of
spirits.
Stun guns are widely available on the internet.
The Observer placed an order and received a 200,000-volt stun gun and a
25ml CS gas spray. Both items were delivered in a matter of days, even though
they are prohibited in the UK. The stun gun we received is four times more
powerful than the Taser models currently on trial with British police forces.
Experts suggest there are as many as 10,000 stun guns in circulation in
the UK and that the number is growing fast. More and more are being intercepted
in the post and recovered during police searches for drugs.
'It's the perfect weapon for a mugger because it will put anyone down
and they won't know what's hit them,' says one south London villain. 'I know of
a lot of football hooligans who have them, but they're also common among
carjackers. A lot of drug dealers have started using them to torture people who
owe them money. They like them because, unlike bullets, knives or clubs,
there's no evidence of the attack.'
Possession of stun guns was made illegal in Britain after one was used
to rob a postman. Although there have been no fatalities involving their use in
this country, they have caused at least 30 deaths worldwide.
A report from the all-party parliamentary group on gun crime earlier
this month recommended a review of Customs procedures for clearing parcels
which are brought into the UK through private companies.
A Customs spokesman said: 'Well over 90 per cent of all weapons smuggled
into this country come via mail order. We are aware stun guns are coming into
Britain in increasing numbers. It is causing concern. They are dangerous and
potentially deadly if a child, or person with a heart problem, was attacked
with one.'
While possession of stun guns and CS spray is theoretically punishable
with a maximum sentence of 10 years and an unlimited fine, most cases are
treated less seriously. Those caught attempting to bring the weapons into the
country face having the weapon confiscated but further action is rarely taken
unless there is evidence of specific criminal intent
