Just had an unexpected home visit from 3 officers.

[12gsnapcaps]

Just had three police officers turn up randomly at 9:30 am. They seemed to know I loaded my own ammunition, had a big file on me tucked under one arm, and was asking me all about how I loaded ammunition. I took them through the process and showed them all my equipment. Then they wanted to see my gun safe, check all my guns, ammunition etc. Asking me where and what I shoot, my land, my clubs.

Only been loading my own for a couple of months.

They weren't FEO's, they were officers with badges, one of them said they worked in ballistics.

i'd like to point out, all three were very polite, professional and curteous. I had no problem letting them in and showing them around as I had nothing to hide.

The whole thing was ...... odd. Why x3 ballistics officers (plain clothes, radios) rather than an feo? I'd heard they called first before doing a check?

I wonder if they're doing enhanced spot checks now because of the Plymouth lunatic?

 

[Jon P]

Have you checked with your FEO that they were legitimate officers?

 

[gixer1]

I guess you checked their credentials just to make sure they were legitimate?

Sounds odd but as you say if you have nothing to hide and their credentials check out then why not….it’s usually a chance to have a natter and get to know some of them.

Regards,
Gixer

 

[12gsnapcaps]

Have you checked with your FEO that they were legitimate officers?

I gave him a call but his phones switched off.

 

[12gsnapcaps]

I saw one of their badges, and they had a copy of my FAC.

 

[Husky]

If you have been homeloading for only a couple of months, how did they know?

 

[12gsnapcaps]

If you have been homeloading for only a couple of months, how did they know?

I don't know, that's what I've been scratching my head about. Maybe it's all the component parts I've been ordering off the internet?

 

[gixer1]

Are FAC details on the leaked Guntrader info??

I would just do a quick check with the FEO. Just to be safe.

 

[Husky]

That would beg the question how do they know what you order off the internet?

 

[308tikka]

Are you using facebook to order items or, to discuss load development etc ?

 

[12gsnapcaps]

Are you using facebook to order items or, to discuss load development etc ?

No. Just TSD. I post some shooting photos on Instagram, (not going down that rabbit hole, if we self censor out sport only we will be to blame for its death)

 

[12gsnapcaps]

Are FAC details on the leaked Guntrader info??

I would just do a quick check with the FEO. Just to be safe.

Pinged an email to my Firearms Licencing office (no phone numbers on the website anymore, all removed!)

 

[Stalker62]

This is in no way intended as a criticism.

If I had anyone (anyone) turn up at my house without an appointment, they would not make it across the threshold (unless of course they had a warrant and a team of officers with enforcers).

I would decline their invitation, take their details and make an appointment with them, once I had checked they were indeed legitimate.

If they turn up 'unannounced' but without a warrant then they are on a fishing expedition. That in and of itself, I do not have a problem with, it is not unusual in the Policing world.

My issue (especially after recent dreadful events) is 'plain clothed' officers turning up and asking to be let in.

 

[gixer1]

This is in no way intended as a criticism.

If I had anyone (anyone) turn up at my house without an appointment, they would not make it across the threshold (unless of course they had a warrant and a team of officers with enforcers).

I would decline their invitation, take their details and make an appointment with them, once I had checked they were indeed legitimate.

If they turn up 'unannounced' but without a warrant then they are on a fishing expedition. That in and of itself, I do not have a problem with, it is not unusual in the Policing world.

My issue (especially after recent dreadful events) is 'plain clothed' officers turning up and asking to be let in.

@Stalker1962 are you not an ex-police officer? I only ask as it’s good to have the input of someone that would know if this was out of the ordinary or not.

@bobthedog too I guess?

 

[Tazz]

“Ballistics officers” ??? given how short of resources the police forces are I find it incredulous that with no stated reason 3 would come out to your house. Clearly they did hence the post but I would be following up as per other posts with your FEO. My other tip would be ask to take a photo of their ID cards so you have evidence of the visit

 

[deerstalker.308]

Did it cross your mind that this may have been linked to this subject?

Issue with nearby Landowner

I shoot over about 300 acres, I have an open ticket. Three landowners have the land between them, none of them mind me shooting. They're all top blokes and I get on with them and their families. A fourth landowner is a very difficult man and is just a pain. He's a townie that's moved to the...

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

 

[Tazz]

Did it cross your mind that this may have been linked to this subject?

Issue with nearby Landowner

I shoot over about 300 acres, I have an open ticket. Three landowners have the land between them, none of them mind me shooting. They're all top blokes and I get on with them and their families. A fourth landowner is a very difficult man and is just a pain. He's a townie that's moved to the...

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

I think a career as a detective may be opening up for you

 

[308tikka]

This is in no way intended as a criticism.

If I had anyone (anyone) turn up at my house without an appointment, they would not make it across the threshold (unless of course they had a warrant and a team of officers with enforcers).

I would decline their invitation, take their details and make an appointment with them, once I had checked they were indeed legitimate.

If they turn up 'unannounced' but without a warrant then they are on a fishing expedition. That in and of itself, I do not have a problem with, it is not unusual in the Policing world.

My issue (especially after recent dreadful events) is 'plain clothed' officers turning up and asking to be let in.

As an FAC holder, you might find its a condition of having a certificate to let police enter your place of storage without appointment.

 

[Twodogs]

Appears strange to me. In light of this I would check your security arrangements.

Never heard of the term ‘ballistics officers’ relating to a role of the Police, NABIS yes (National Ballistics Intelligence Service), police no. But then who knows what role has what title nowadays.

Have you got the officers details? I think this needs a follow up, FEO/FLO being the first point of call.

 

[Stalker62]

As an FAC holder, you might find its a condition of having a certificate to let police enter your place of storage without appointment.

It is not and never has been a "condition" of you having an FAC/SGC.


What the Constabularies do, is ask you to facilitate their visits without recourse to a warrant.

I have no issue with "non-warrant" visits. My FEO/FLM are welcome to my home provided I know they are coming. This is not to obstruct their important work.
It is to ensure that I and my family know who is at our gate.