Locked and Downloaded: The rise in 3D printed guns
Cases involving 3D-printed guns in the UK have been on the rise - we find out why.
Police have dealt with scores of cases involving home-made 3D printed guns in the UK in the last three years. Data obtained by File on 4 Investigates from the National Crime Agency shows that criminals and extremists have attempted to manufacture the weapons.
We hear from police who successfully prosecuted a group who had manufactured printed firearms to sell on to criminal gangs. As Adrian Goldberg asks, how much of a threat are these printed weapons in the UK and what can be done to deter people from making them?
Producer: Paul Grant
Technical Producers: Cameron Ward & Nicky Edwards
Production Co-ordinator: Tim Fernley
Editor: Tara McDermott
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Read the programme transcript
How much of a threat to the UK are homemade printed weapons?
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Broadcasts
- Tue 12 May 2026 20:00BBC Radio 4
- Wed 13 May 2026 11:00BBC Radio 4
Podcast
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File on 4 Investigates
File on 4 Investigates: News-making original journalism.

