题目选项分析

Since the inception of Project Safe Neighborhoods five years ago, which seeks to reduce armed robberies by convincing people to sell their guns to the municipal government, the number of armed robberies has decreased by ten percent nationwide. Simultaneously, there has been a decrease in the number of reports in which convicted criminals are found to be in possession of guns. It is clear that Project Safe Neighborhoods has convinced many individuals not to own guns and thus not to commit armed robberies.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the conclusion drawn above?

【选项】Gun shop owners have reported a decline in patrons seeking to buy guns for legitimate purposes since the inception of the project.