Name:  shotgun-1181648_640.jpg
Views: 0
Size:  42.8 KB

The names, home addresses and contact details of over 110,000 people who own firearms in the UK were taken from online selling platform Guntrader and leaked online by animal rights activists.

Activists were encouraged to contact gun owners to ask them if they were involved in shooting animals.

Now the data has been coded to a google map format showing precise locations of gun owners.

It is feared that criminals may target owners to steal guns especially in rural areas.

British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is urging members to be vigilant around home security following a potential data breach of a website dealing in firearms.

BASC understands the breach involves personal data which identifies home and email addresses of people who are likely to be firearm and shotgun certificate holders. Personal data has been listed on a hackers’ website.

The data breach is not related to data held by BASC.

BASC head of firearms, Martin Parker, said:
“The National Crime Agency is aware of the issue and BASC is working with them to ensure we can update members as quickly as possible as the situation develops.

“Our advice to members would be to check home security and be extra vigilant. Make sure all firearms are appropriately locked away and make sure buildings are kept secure. Follow normal good crime security advice and report anything suspicious to the police.”
The National Crime Agency said:
"The NCA is aware that information has been published online as a result of a recent data breach which impacted Guntrader.

"We are working closely with the South West Regional Cyber Crime Unit, who are leading the criminal investigation, to support the organisation and manage any risk."
Other online gun retailers are reviewing the security of their website data.