More people than ever now own firearms

There are 48'794 arms licences in force in the Balearics, without taking into account those of the Army. However, the exact number of people who hold weapons is unknown, as, on the one hand, some people have several licences, and on the other hand, there are people who have guns without permits. The number of licences has risen by more than 18 per cent in 15 months from January 1, 2000, according to a recent report, which says that at the beginning of last year, there were 41'298 licences for firearms. In the first three months of the year, the number of licences issued was 1'400. The figures indicate that there is now a gun licence in one in every five homes. It is believed that most of the guns are used for hunting, which has always been a traditional sport in the Balearics, although the report did not specify a breakdown of weapons covered by the licences.