Imitation guns

What are they?
Imitation or fake guns can be toy guns, air guns, and ball bearing or BB guns which are spring-loaded air guns that fire pellets.

It is usually pretty difficult to tell the difference between imitation guns and real ones so if you wrongly use a fake gun which includes a toy gun, a BB (ball bearing) gun or an airgun, don't be surprised if other people think you've got a real one and call the police.

You must have a licence to own a firearm of any type and it is illegal to carry a BB gun in public.

Firearms Officers are highly trained and carry them safely. Most members of public who carry firearms have had very little or no training in handling firearms safely, making the chances of injuries more likely. Some people think that BB guns are harmless but that's not the case - a BB shot can be really painful and if you're hit in the eye with a pellet you could lose your sight.

If you do have a firearms licence and own a weapon, remember to never leave it near to where children can get hold of it and in the case of BB guns, always lock the trigger and keep it locked up in a gun case. Never leave BB guns loaded.

What is the law?
It is a crime to carry a fake firearm and if you carry a BB gun, a toy gun or an airgun in a public place you could be arrested.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 says:

• You must be 17 years old or over to buy an air weapon.
• It's a crime to give an air weapon as a present to anyone who is under 17 years old.
• Anybody under 17 shouldn't be in the possession of an air weapon (loaded or unloaded) without being supervised by an adult aged 21 or over.
• It's a crime to fire an air weapon within 15 metres of a road.
  Breaking the law with firearms could result in a fine or a prison sentence of up to seven years.