Warning re firearm thefts/burglaries

[Donkey Basher]

Received the following from a club at Bisley & thought it worth sharing.

From:
Date: 4 March 2026 at 13:02:12 GMT
To:
Subject: URGENT AWARENESS - GUNS STOLEN IN BURGLARY / Use of AIR TAGS ( 2 )

All,



You have been sent this message as you are a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD), are linked to an RFD, or a Shooting Club



A burglary took place yesterday in Braintree where the following shotguns were stolen:



12b ATA serial number TR19-512547
20B ATA serial number 21-S52584
12B WINCHESTER serial number 11HMP05932



It is believed the address was targeted for the shotguns.



We have information involving the criminal use of Air Tags. Air Tags are being placed on vehicles at shooting events, to then locate addresses to commit burglaries.



I am requesting your help to spread awareness to certificate holders to regularly scan firearms and vehicles to check for Air Tags especially when leaving shooting event/club locations.

One app that will scan for air tags is Airguard.



Any information regarding the stolen guns please contact police immediately.



Kind Regards,



Deborah Allum
Firearms Supervisor (External Team and Suitability) and Explosives Liaison Officer

Firearms, Shotgun and Explosives Licensing
Essex Police



Telephone/Contact: 07813093962

Or 101, ext 202292

Address:

FSEL

Essex Police Headquarters

PO Box 2

Springfield

Chelmsford

CM2 6DA

 

[sauer]

Can an android phone scan for air tags?

 

[User00056]

Can an android phone scan for air tags?

I believe so, through the Apple app'

 

[Jimboblincs2]

We had what seemed like a targeted burglary up here near Scunthorpe, gun cabinet ripped from wall.

 

[Rob-E]

Can an android phone scan for air tags?

Yes.
I have air tags in my cars to act as trackers and my wife’s android picks up on them without any app. It’s part of the anti stalking software that’s in them. If an AirTag travels with you and it’s not yours your phone will ping and tell you.

 

[rocketdogbert]

I have AirTags on all my rifles and shotguns, when I take people from my club to Bisley, normally two or three members, nobody’s phone ever pings.
There are always at least two of my rifles with AirTags , plus the same in multiple ear defenders and my range bag.

 

[vpk999]

AirTags are easily picked up. I have one in my car and was driving behind my pal in convoy. His iPhone picked up my AirTag and he messaged me to ask if I was using one.

 

[ndt man]

Been thinking about this for a while
When you buy /or sell on a shooting website the seller or buyer knows that you have firearms and your address. ..

 

[12gsnapcaps]

That, and due to the new laws on buying and selling and sellers and not recieving RFD's allowed to write on certs, thousands of real FAC's and SGC's are posted around the country with little to no security.

Regarding all this, we have to be responsible people and ensure our own security

1. Never give your address on a public forum relating to firearms, or when buying/selling a section 1 or section 2 firearm unless you have reasonable evidence to ensure the buyer, seller holds a relevant certificate first.
2. If sending your certificate through the post after buying a firearm, to the seller for them to write in, make sure it is by Next day, special, recorded delivery.

 

[Bowland blades]

That, and due to the new laws on buying and selling and sellers and not recieving RFD's allowed to write on certs, thousands of real FAC's and SGC's are posted around the country with little to no security.

Regarding all this, we have to be responsible people and ensure our own security

1. Never give your address on a public forum relating to firearms, or when buying/selling a section 1 or section 2 firearm unless you have reasonable evidence to ensure the buyer, seller holds a relevant certificate first.
2. If sending your certificate through the post after buying a firearm, to the seller for them to write in, make sure it is by Next day, special, recorded delivery.

But are there any none RFD guys sending any firearms in the UK personally , I get mine via the local RFD if its anything much of a distant . Indeed its best now not to do face to firearm transfers