Air gun warning from police

POLICE at Warrington have issued a warning about one of the less well-known side-effects of warm summer weather – an increase in the number of incidents involving youths with air guns.
Firearms officers say they traditionally see a rise in the number of air weapons incidents in public places.
They believe many parents buy air pistols and rifles for their youngsters, without realising that if they take them down to the local park or woodland for shooting practice they are committing an offence.
Whenever police are contacted in such circumstances, a patrol will be sent to investigate, more often than not an Armed Response Vehicle.
While this patrol is tied up dealing with a low level incident, they could be needed elsewhere at an incident of a more serious nature.
Also, from distance and to most ordinary people, an air weapon can look like a proper gun and has the potential to cause concern and panic.
The law states that anyone with a loaded shotgun, an air weapon (whether loaded or not), any other firearm (whether loaded or not) together with ammunition, or an imitation firearm, with lawful authority or reasonable excuse, is commiting an offence and will be arrested.
The offence carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years.
Sgt Iain Hannan of Cheshire Police Firearms Unit said: “We are appealing to parents to think responsibly about the use of air weapons by children and teenagers. These weapons can be lethal if used improperly, and people need to understand that to be in possession of one in a public place, could result in serious consequences for the person.
“They are not toys, and should not be considered as such. My best advice is do not let your children use them, and if they do have an air weapon, then be vigilant and make sure they do not take them out in public. Each summer we see a rise in the number of these incidents, and each one can tie us up for considerable periods of time. Whilst dealing with these someone may be in real trouble and need our help, and the consequences of that could be very serious”