LANCASHIRE Police is to carry out unannounced home visits to gun owners.

From Wednesday, officers will be visiting those who have firearms to talk to them about security and crime prevention.

Nationally, over the last five years 3,296 licensed firearms and shotguns have been reported as stolen or lost. However, the number lost or stolen has fallen from 553 in 2009 to 415 in 2013.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Chief Inspector Richard Blackburn, firearms licensing manager, said while the reduction represented a small fraction of the number of lawfully held guns, one stolen or lost gun was still too many.

He said: “We’re not trying to catch out gun owners, which is why we are giving a public warning that these visits will be taking place.

“We want to work together with the shooting community to encourage people to keep their guns secure and give crime prevention advice where appropriate.

“A lost or stolen firearm could end up in the hands of criminals who would pose a clear threat to the public. This is why we are carrying out these visits. We want to make sure that people who own a gun have strong security measures in place and safety around firearms is upheld.”

Crimestoppers are also launching a dedicated phone line to encourage members of the shooting community and the general public to report any concerns about legally held firearms.

Chief Inspector Blackburn added: “We would ask members of the shooting community to be vigilant.

“If you recognise any sudden behavioural changes in fellow shooters that could cause concern then please do let us know or use the Crimestoppers hotline to voice any concerns anonymously.

“If you’re concerned that guns are being kept unsecurely or notice signs that shooters may be vulnerable to criminal groups then please report it.

“The shooting community as a whole is law abiding and engaging and we want to protect their reputation and continued lawful use of firearms.”

Anyone with any concerns or information about firearms should call 101 or the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 0284010.