Locked and Downloaded: The rise in 3D printed guns

Locked and Downloaded: The rise in 3D printed guns

May 12, 2026 · 38 min

About this episode

This episode explores the rise of 3D printed guns in the UK and the associated criminal activities.

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

People in this episode

Host: Adrian Goldberg

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Crime Agency, File on 4 Investigates, BBC Radio 4

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