Massive stockpiles of deadly weapons worth £1.6m stolen from UK military bases

DEADLY weapons, including machine guns, have been stolen or lost from British military bases.

Nearly 100,000 bullets and 50 guns have gone missing since 2015, according to statistics revealed by the Sun on Sunday.

The kit includes four machine guns, two AK47 rifles and five Glock pistols, as well as a historic Sten pistol and Luger pistol.

Since 2019, 12 cadet weapons have been stolen, including four target rifles and four SA80s, the same weapon that is issued as standard to all British troops.

Night vision goggles, parachute canopies and arctic clothing were also stolen.

The data came from parliamentary questions and a freedom of information request. The value of the lost equipment is estimated at around £1.6 million.

Former British Army Colonel Richard Kemp said: “In Britain we pride ourselves on having very strict gun control.

“It is obviously worrying that some of these weapons could have fallen into the hands of terrorists or criminals and could even be used to commit murder.

“But the armed forces handle large quantities of weapons, and these are relatively small numbers. »

He added: “Ideally, no weapon would disappear, but no system is 100% foolproof. Security can never be perfect.

The Ministry of Defense said: “We take the security of defense assets very seriously and have robust procedures in place to prevent losses.

“All losses and thefts are investigated by the relevant law enforcement agencies and we take necessary steps to investigate and prosecute suspected criminal activity.”