This Canadian Forces memorial sign can easily be identified on the eastbound A3 in Hampshire just 2 miles before the new Hindhead tunnel. It serves to remind road users that they are passing Bramshott Common which provided shelter and billeting for thousands of Canadian troops during both world wars. It has been blasted at close range by a gunman armed with a shotgun. This photograph was taken in 2008. Despite the recent publicity surrounding the desecration of war memorials in the UK this sad example of our indifference and ignorance to this type of crime remains on view for all to see.

                      The "SHILTON SIGN" provided a centre piece for the

     Cranfield report. It had been struck by adapted shotgun ammunition

Matt Seiber - MAY 2012. 

Gunfire Graffiti - UK is a gun crime investigation project that began in April 2008. The project was greatly assisted in 2010 by Dr Derek Allsop from Cranfield University, located at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham. Dr Allsop directed a thesis that was compiled as an investigation, the results of which were passed to Thames Valley Police and NABIS. Gunfire Graffiti seeks to disclose an "unseen" view of gun crime that exists in the UK. It concerns persons unknown, discharging, testing and experimenting with firearms on the roadside and in public places.

A 50 square mile area of Oxfordshire was chosen for the Cranfield study and within this section 40 road signs were found to be damaged by gunfire. A total of 16 signs were selected for close examination. The completed study revealed weapon and ammunition types, firing positions, ranges and impact angles. Obtaining trace elements from some locations, the study was even able in some instances, to determine the make of ammunition used.

The book, Gunfire Graffiti, is a very unique publication which includes a broad selection of photographs. It is now available through crime specialist publishers, Waterside Press. It reveals that evidence of gun crime is never far from any of us.

                                       www.watersidepress.co.uk

Roadside gun crime is perpetrated in the UK. It has successfully avoided

detection, interest, understanding and attention from the authorities

and the media. The perpetrators are able to act with total impunity.

This website and the newly published book seek to uncover and disclose a frightening and disturbing element that exists within our society.

Roadside gunfire attack sites have so far been found in 31 UK counties.