More concealed carry licenses in Tri-State communities in 2012

CINCINNATI - A new report from the office of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine indicates that Ohioans are carrying more concealed weapons than ever.

The 2012 Ohio Concealed Carry Annual Report indicates that Ohio has seen a record increase in licenses to carry concealed guns this past year.

Under Ohio law, county sheriffs are responsible for issuing, denying, suspending or revoking concealed carry licenses. In 2012, county sheriffs issued 76,810 regular licenses, which includes 64,650 new licenses. The state issued 49,828 new licensees in 2011.

Clermont County alone saw more than 2,600 new applications for Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) licenses in 2012.

9 On Your Side reporter Scott Wegener interviewed residents from across the county to see what they had to say about the issue.

Diners at Grandma’s Pizza in Batavia ventured guesses as to how many of their neighbors carry concealed weapons.

"40 percent," Bridgette Ellis, of Williamsburg, said.

"50 percent," said Lance Woodward, of Bethel.

"30 to 35 percent,” John Sandlan, of Batavia, chimed in.

"I'd have to think more than half the population of this county probably does," Woodward continued.

Rus Whitley, who operates a gun shop in Bethel, said whatever the number, there's been a considerable increase in sales at his shop. He says everything from shooting classes to guns to ammo are selling faster than a speeding bullet.

Whitley says the increase in sales has led to an increase in prices. He used a small box of .22 caliber long rifle ammunition as evidence.

“They used to be $4.95. Two weeks ago they went to $10.50, now they're $20 a box," Whitley said.

The full report from the attorney general's office is available by clicking here or by going to the following link: http://ow.ly/i9JB2 .

Additional information on the concealed carry laws in Ohio, visit the attorney general's website or visit the following link: http://ow.ly/i9JDW