Replica Guns: It's no game

Don't put yourself or your children at risk, know the dangers, know the law!BB gun

  • Air and imitation guns (which include BB guns) are not toys and can cause serious injury and even kill.
  • Although gun crime is low in North Wales, concerns are raised when the majority of people cannot tell the difference between a real weapon and an imitation one or an air weapon. 
  • Some of these imitation weapons are so realistic looking that they can cause real alarm in local residents who think they are real guns. This can trigger a 999 call which can, in turn, lead to a response by armed officers.
  • Also please be aware that there are offences committed in having air and imitation guns in a public places in certain circumstances, some of which can lead to individuals being arrested and prosecuted.
  • Weapons such as BB guns are frequently used in criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, and can cause injury to people, pets and wildlife.

 

Firearms facts:

  • It is an offence to possess an air weapon or imitation firearm in public without legal authority or reasonable excuse (a reasonable excuse may include someone possessing an air weapon in line with their professional duties, such as a farmer).
  • People under the age of 18 may not purchase, hire, sell or let on hire any weapon or ammunition
  • Those under the age of 18 may not be in possession of an air weapon at anytime unless supervised by a person who is aged 21 or over, or as part of a shooting club or gallery.
  • Persons may possess an air weapon on private property with the consent of the owner. But, it is an offence for any person who is using an air weapon on private property to fire any missile beyond the boundaries of the premises. A maximum penalty for this offence is currently £1,000. For housing tenants permission has to be sought from the landowner.


If you have information on the use of imitation weapons, please call North Wales Police on 101 or 0300 330 0101.

You can also call Crimestoppers Wales anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency always dial 999.

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