NORTH Wales Police firearms licensing department is urging firearms and shotgun certificate holders to make sure they abide by the conditions of their licences - particularly the security requirements - or face prosecution.

The reminder comes following two court cases in recent weeks.

One person, who appeared at Llandudno Magistrates Court was fined more than £1000 for security breaches and another individual was fined £500 at Mold Magistrates Court for not disclosing relevant information when making a firearms application.

Both lost their entitlement to possess firearms.

Andy Broadhead, firearms licensing manager, said; “It’s absolutely vital that our licence holders abide by the relevant conditions and make sure their guns are kept secure, and that only authorised individuals can access the guns and ammunition. "Not doing so can have tragic consequences and also lead to firearms being used for criminal purposes.

“If your friends or family know where you keep a key or a code to the cabinet, you should rectify this to avoid a potential tragedy or prosecution.

“I would also urge applicants to accurately and honestly complete the forms in respect of their health and any convictions otherwise the application could be refused, any licence revoked and you could be prosecuted.

“It is important to remember that each application is considered on an individual basis so the fact someone has had previous convictions or a particular medical diagnosis is not necessarily a bar to possessing firearms.”