GUN crimes on the streets of York and North Yorkshire have more than trebled, according to figures released today.

And armed operations where North Yorkshire Police officers have been authorised to carry firearms have increased by almost a third.

Offences involving guns rocketed by 211 per cent, with 28 incidents in 2001-2002, compared with only nine the previous year.

The Home Office figures also show that the number of occasions on which guns were authorised to be carried has steadily increased during the past three years.

The latest figures show 92 incidents occurred in 2001-2002 where police officers were authorised to carry weapons, compared with 72 the previous year and 61 in 1999-2000.

A Ministerial statement released today at the House of Commons reveals North Yorkshire Police also used armed response vehicles on more occasions in 2001-2002 - 60 compared to 54 the previous year.

Meanwhile, the number of authorised firearms officers in the county remained at 66.

A gun amnesty held by North Yorkshire Police earlier this year saw more than 170 weapons, including 17 handguns, four rifles, 22 shotguns, 16 air rifles and 11 air pistols, surrendered by members of the public.

Last month armed robber John Rooney, 34, started a 20-year jail sentence for series of armed raids at post offices, garages and stores in Bridlington, West Yorkshire and Manchester.

Only 11 days before his court appearance Rooney pulled a replica 45mm handgun on police officers before fleeing to a flat in Grosvenor Crescent, Scarborough.

A five-hour stand-off developed before Rooney gave himself up and confessed to 17 robberies using the replica gun, a knife or a baseball bat and two ram-raids with stolen cars.

Two years ago, Home Secretary David Blunkett ordered a review of the use of armed police officers after 12 fatal shootings of members of the public in six years.

He also brought forward plans to issue police forces with tranquilliser guns, to be used instead of firearms.

The Home Office also asked police to investigate the use of stun guns to incapacitate people as a "third way" between using batons and guns.

Overall, the number of authorised operations in England and Wales rose by 26 per cent in 2001-2002 to 13,991.

Updated: 10:51 Friday, June 13, 2003