Firearms licensing newsletter - October 2026
Welcome to the latest edition of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Firearms and Explosives Licensing newsletter.
In this edition, we are pleased to share examples of recent engagement with the shooting community, recognise outstanding work delivered by members of our team, and highlight national initiatives aimed at supporting certificate holders and Registered Firearms Dealers.
Out and about with our communities
In August, Inspector Darren Gore and Deputy Firearms Licensing Manager Mitch Smith represented BCH Firearms and Explosives Licensing at The Game Fair. The event provided an opportunity to speak directly with certificate holders, applicants and members of the shooting community from across the three counties and beyond.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, particularly in relation to service improvements and significantly improved application-processing timescales. The team also shared progress made during the past 12 months, including work to reduce the historical backlog and improve the customer experience.
Burghley Horse Trials
Detective Sergeant Ahmed and Firearms Enquiry Officer Keith Watson also attended the Burghley Horse Trials. They engaged with Registered Firearms Dealers exhibiting at the event and spoke with members of the local shooting community.
These conversations helped strengthen relationships, gather feedback and explain the improvements being made within the licensing department.
Both events reinforced the value of meeting stakeholders face to face and listening to their experiences.
Know your firearms documents
The National Crime Agency’s “Know your UK firearms documents” initiative provides guidance to help identify legitimate UK firearms documentation. The resource is relevant to Registered Firearms Dealers, certificate holders and others who may need to check documents as part of a lawful transaction.
Pause and check: Take time to examine documents carefully. If something appears inconsistent, altered or unexpected, do not ignore it. Use the official guidance and appropriate verification routes before continuing with a transaction.
Protecting firearms from targeted theft
Regional intelligence has highlighted the continuing importance of proportionate security, particularly during busy sporting and holiday periods. Certificate holders should remain alert to the risk of criminals using tracking devices at shooting events to identify home addresses and target firearms or shotguns.
- Remain alert to unfamiliar tracking notifications or devices associated with firearms, cases or vehicles.
- Check firearms, equipment and vehicles after leaving events, in line with current safety guidance.
- Review home and vehicle security arrangements regularly and avoid displaying information that identifies a firearm owner’s address.
- Report suspicious activity or concerns through the appropriate police contact route.
Security reminder: The aim is to reduce opportunities for lawful firearms to enter criminal use. Sensible precautions, awareness and timely reporting all contribute to prevention.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services update
We welcomed HMICFRS back to the department in August as part of a reinspection process. We are currently awaiting their updated findings and will share further information with you in due course.
Performance and IAG update
Thank you to everyone who attended the IAG meeting at Hertfordshire Constabulary Headquarters on 7 September.
We provided a current update of how the department is performing currently.
As of 21 September 2026 performance is currently sitting at:
|
Work type |
BCH |
|
Outstanding renewals |
709 |
|
Outstanding grants |
1,871 |
|
Outstanding variations |
11 |
|
Outstanding temporary permits |
122 certificates across 87 holders |
Telephone service update
Our telephone service continues to be well received. Thank you to everyone who has contacted the team with genuine questions and concerns. The team is available to take calls Monday to Friday, from 10am to 12pm.
Please note that the telephone line should not be used to request updates on applications. Information about current processing times and application timeframes is available on your local force website.
Thank you for reading and being part of our community!