Statement By NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg On ATF Report That Shows Fewer Guns Being Found On New York City Streets

February 27, 2008 -- "There were over 1,100 fewer guns found on City streets in 2007 compared to 2006 - that's more than 1,100 fewer chances for gun violence to harm innocent New Yorkers. It is an impressive figure that complements the fact that in 2007, the City experienced the fewest number of murders since records started being kept more than 40 years ago.

And it is not the only good news found in the ATF report: the average time it takes for a gun to be used in a crime continues to climb, up to 13 years. This figure, known as 'Time-to-Crime,' is a barometer of illegal gun trafficking activity, and the fact that it is rising is very encouraging.

Hopefully, word has gotten to gun traffickers and other criminals that it is unwise to possess a gun in New York City, since we have the toughest law in the country against illegal possession of a loaded firearm. The ATF's report is another testament to the heroic work performed everyday by the men and women of the NYPD, and it's another reason why New York continues to be the safest big city in the nation."

Source: New York City Mayor