Here you go, have a brew handy:
The broad levels of security
19.26. It may also be helpful to think of security in terms of broad “levels” to be applied according to the circumstances of each case. These are not intended to be prescriptive, but rather to provide guidance on what might be considered proportionate in each case.
Level 1
19.27. The security of firearms, ammunition and shotguns within a dwelling can in most cases be achieved using a cabinet designed for this purpose. New cabinets should conform to the requirements of BS7558. Further information on the design of cabinets can be found in the “Firearms Security Handbook”. The cabinet should be fixed to the structure of the building and suitably located to frustrate attack and identification by persons visiting the premises. BS7558 was introduced in 1992, but many older cabinets will be built to acceptable standards and, if satisfactory, need not be replaced.
19.28. As an additional level of security, ammunition and easily removable component parts – such as rifle bolts etc. – should be stored separately from the firearms they fit, if it is safe and reasonable to do so and they may not been confused between firearms. This could be either by use of a detached storage container fitted elsewhere in the dwelling, or one built into or onto the firearms cabinet.
19.29. There is a need to consider other alternatives for unusual firearms such as punt guns, cannon etc. In these cases, such items may be secured in buildings other than the dwelling. Suitable securing points may be required where the situation or construction of such buildings make it necessary. Where possible any removable part that would render the gun inoperative should be stored separately.
19.30. When only one rifle or shotgun is held and a lower level of risk is involved, gun clamps or similar devices or arrangements may be adequate. Other considerations in that dwelling might be:
a) Final exit doors of good construction secured with good quality locks and/or other types of deadlocking facilities;
b) Suitable locks/securing devices on ground floor windows and French/patio windows.
19.31. In more modern houses, the above requirements will be met in properties with PVCu doors or specialist doors with a multi-locking system which is secured by a deadlock. These requirements will also be met in properties with PVCu or specialist windows by a similar style of system secured by a keyed lock, either handle or independently mounted.
173 Guide on Firearms Licensing Law
19.32. When providing advice to fit locks to PVCu doors and/or windows it must be stressed that the manufacturer/supplier should be consulted about which locks would be appropriate, as the fitting of non specified locks may cause damage to the article and invalidate the product warranty.
Level 2
19.33. Where the individual circumstances are such that additional security might be required
(for example, a high crime location, building regularly unoccupied, substantial number of firearms on the premises, repeat victimisation etc.), in addition to the provision of a suitable cabinet, gun room or safe, the following may be considered:
a) The final exit door locks should be to BS3621 or equivalent and any French windows/ patio doors should have an integral locking system or be provided with supplementary locks to frustrate forcible opening, together with anti-lift blocks if applicable;
b) Windows on the ground floor and those accessible from flat roofs etc should be fitted with an appropriate type and number of locks which are self-latching or key operated. These should have casement-to-frame locking along the opening edge;
c) An audible intruder alarm to the appropriate standard protecting either the whole of the premises or those parts of the premises deemed necessary;
d) Mitigating the risk by dividing up the number of guns between several secure locations.
19.34. For these purposes, a “substantial” number of firearms should be considered with regard to the type of firearms, their potential danger if misused and their likely attractiveness to criminals. At the lower end the number might vary between 6 and 10, depending on the type of firearm concerned, whilst anything over 10 would rarely be lower than level 2. However, it is not enough to base an assessment on the number of firearms alone; all factors mentioned above should be taken into account. Sound moderators, spare barrels, spare cylinders and component parts should not be considered as part of this total.
19.35. If the certificate holder provides a different form of security which equates to that provided above (such as a reinforced gun room or other area), this may also be accepted as suitable. The comments made in reference to PVCu and other specialist products are also applicable.
Level 3
19.36. If the risk is assessed as being greater than the previous level (for example by virtue of a higher crime rate, certain high profile certificate holders, a larger number of firearms held etc) or the firearms being stored are section 5 prohibited weapons, then the following should be considered as well as the previous level of security:
a) Dividing the risk, for example by the provision of separate cabinets, perhaps in different locations within the premises, to reduce the number of firearms per enclosure;
b) Additional target hardening of the storage (cabinet with individual gun locks, or extending to a gun room);
c) Installation of an audible intruder alarm to protect the whole of the premises. If there is a particular risk attached to the property or its area, a system with signalling should be considered. The provisions of the current National Policing Lead for Firearms Licensing (formerly ACPO) intruder alarm policy should be considered if a signalling system is to be installed.
19.37. For these purposes, a “larger” number of firearms may be taken as meaning more than twelve guns (excluding antique firearms held under Section 58(2) of the 1968 Act as curiosities or ornaments). As with level 2, it is not sufficient to base an assessment on the number of firearms alone; all other factors mentioned above are equally important, and regard must be had to the type of firearms, their potential danger if misused and their likely attractiveness to criminals. Again, sound moderators, spare barrels, spare cylinders and component parts should not be considered as part of the total.