NCJ Number
226085
Date Published
September 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study provides data on the use of handguns to commit lethal and nonlethal crimes in Australia, and it reports on the legal status of the handguns used in these crimes, given recent legislative restrictions on handgun ownership and use.
Abstract
Handguns currently account for approximately half of all firearm-related homicides and have factors that distinguish them from other types of homicide, specifically regarding location (nonresidential), the relationship between the victim and offender (know each other but are not related), and alleged motive (money or drugs). Handgun-perpetrated armed robberies were also found to be different from robberies committed with other weapons, with a higher proportion of handgun-perpetrated robberies involving the targeting of organizations and the obtaining of more money. The majority of the handguns used in crimes are apparently illegal, with the available data indicating many are acquired from friends or family members. Theft from legal sources may also be an important source of handguns and other firearms composing the illegal handgun market and their use in crimes. Handguns are apparently the firearm of choice for use in committing firearm-related crime in Australia. Its combination of being concealable and having high firepower make it attractive for committing crimes. Based on data from Australian police firearms registries, 172,422 handguns were registered in Australia as of June 30, 2006, accounting for 7 percent of all registered firearms. 2 tables, 1 figure, and 16 references