Wal-Mart to match gun buyers with crimes

WASHINGTON, April 15 (UPI) -- Wal-Mart and a group of big-city mayors announced a pact that will lead to closer tracking of gun sales at Wal-Mart stores across the United States.

Wal-Mart, the nation's largest firearms retailer, will flag customers who purchase a gun that is later linked to a crime. The next time that individual tries to buy a gun at Wal-Mart, the store will have the option of refusing to sell it.

The agreement also allows Wal-Mart to refuse to consummate a purchase if the buyer's background check comes back "inconclusive," The New York Times said Tuesday.

The mayors said at a news conference Monday the deal was a good one for all parties given what they said was a rising sentiment to reduce violent crime in urban areas.

The National Rifle Association dismissed the plan, telling the Times more aggressive prosecutions of criminals would do more to lower crime rates.