An overview notes that the existence of strict firearm regulations does not appear to be correlated with a lower incidence of gun-related crimes. However, crimes involving guns decline when the laws against their use are strictly enforced. Individual countries have tried to meet the threat of increased criminal activities involving firearms by increasing the regulatory and registration provisions of current gun control laws, prohibiting the possession and use of certain weapons, and strengthening the penalties for offenses involving the use of firearms. They have also cooperated with neighboring countries to curtail the illegal transfer and importation of weapons. Footnotes