Hi-tech help in gun-crime battle

The fight against gun crime has been given a major boost with the official launch today (Monday 2 March) of the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS).

The hi-tech forensics service will provide detailed information on the history of firearms and ammunition recovered by police — and help them make links with previous crimes and incidents.

There are three regional facilities with one in Manchester serving police forces across the North of England.

Officers will be able to establish crucial links within the first 48 ‘golden hours’ of an investigation.

This swift turnaround greatly enhances the chances of securing evidence, arresting suspects and preventing further firearm offences.

NABIS uses cutting-edge technology to test, analyse and link firearms and ballistics and, for the first time, will provide a complete database of intelligence on gun crime across England and Wales.

Since it became available in November 2008, Greater Manchester Police Force has submitted 113 cases to it.

Seven were confirmed to have links to a number of other cases and a recently recovered gun was this week found to be linked to four firearm incidents over the past two years.

Superintendent Darren Shenton, from GMP’s Operation Xcalibre that targets gun crime, said: “We are determined to take all guns off our streets and bring the criminals that use them to justice.

“We are working at a number of levels to target firearms offenders.

“A recent initiative saw police remove vulnerable young people — who were being groomed to join gun-carrying gangs — away from harm using child protection legislation.

“NABIS is our latest ally in the fight against gun crime and has already made a significant difference in our investigation of serious crime. Last year their input was vital in the successful conclusion to Operation Tumbler which saw a gang of seven gun runners being jailed for a total of 86 years.

“Our most important allies, however, are still our local communities who I hope will continue to report gun crime, provide information on criminal activity and help make our streets totally gun-free.”