Kirkheaton man gets shotguns confiscated after reporting vandals to the police

Jun 19 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A West Yorkshire Police firearms officer has since visited Mr Baker to make a report.

Mr Baker said the officer told him he thought the police had over-reacted by confiscating his weapons and would recommend the return of the guns.

He said: “It is an over-reaction. In 57 years I haven’t had so much as a parking ticket. I’m careful because things on your record go against you owning firearms.

“I’m so upset about it all.”

He says he and other New Road residents feel angry that the vandals have not been punished.

Mr Baker said: “They’re running riot. But I feel we are being punished.”

He has complained to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman about the confiscation and is awaiting a response.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed officers visited Mr Baker after the damage report.

He said: “During their visit, the complainant made inappropriate comments which from a licensed shotgun holder could not be ignored. The police have a duty to protect the public and for this reason, the shotguns were seized.”

The spokesman confirmed a Firearms Licensing visited on June 12, but denied he said the police response had been an over-reaction or that he would recommended the return of the weapons.

The spokesman added: “The future of the weapons remains under consideration by Firearms Licensing.”

He said investigations are being carried out into the incidents of damage in the street by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.