More people are licensed to own pistols and shotguns in Wandsworth than any other London borough, it has emerged.

The shock statistics, revealed by the Metropolitan Police (Met), show a staggering 2,764 shotgun certificates have been issued to residents along with 312 firearm certificates.

With 3,076 active certificates in the borough, Wandsworth tops the capital-wide table - well ahead of Kensington and Chelsea in second place, which has a total of 2,419 issued.

The figures, which emerged after a freedom of information request was submitted to the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command Unit, also showed there are 12 teenagers under the age of 18 who carry firearm certificates. The youngest is just 13.

However, Superintendent David Chinchen, of Wandsworth police, told the Wandsworth Guardian the large number of gun-owning residents “does not represent any greater threat to the people of Wandsworth or anyone else”.

He said: “Yes we’ve got a significantly high number here but it does not represent for us any greater or lesser threat.

“The incidents of firearms being stolen from certificate holders is minimal - in fact I cannot think of one in the last six months, it’s very rare.

“The fact it’s high is probably because we have more people here who are into country pursuits and hunting as a hobby.”

Last month there were four gun-related offences recorded by borough police, down five from the same period in 2009.

Supt Chinchen said the Met worked closely with gun owners to ensure safety and security measures were carefully followed.

He put the number of young firearm certificate holders down to their parents being avid gun club members - and said such certificates only get issued under strict conditions.

Earlsfield is home to the Borough of Wandsworth Rifle Club, which was first established as the Earlsfield and District Rifle Club in 1903 and boasts the Mayor of Wandsworth as its patron.

According to its website: “The club has indoor and outdoor ranges for small-bore rifle target shooting, as well as air pistol and air rifle facilities. There are plenty of members who are more than willing to help beginners and experts alike hone their shooting skills.”

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