Replica guns are too convincing

Thursday 21 July 2016

The Police are warning Islanders not to carry replica guns in public, as it may lead them to send out officers carrying actual guns in response.

Firearms officers were called out to a young man who was in possession of the rifle shown in the picture, following a call from a concerned member of the public.

The item was handed in to the police when officers approached the man at his home address and explained the impact his actions could have had. 

Chief Inspector Chris Beechey, Head of Firearms Training and Response, said: “Fortunately, gun crime in Jersey is not commonplace, however when the police receive a report from a member of the public about a gun in public then we will respond accordingly with appropriately trained firearms officers. 

“Replica weapons look so much like the real thing and they can seriously frighten individuals and the wider public. 

“The majority of children, teachers and parents are simply not aware of the issues and consequences of carrying around such items – they don’t realise the impact these so-called ‘toys’ have on the public and as importantly, how the States of Jersey Police will respond to such reports. 

“It is often impossible for either the witness, or a police officer, to determine whether the gun is real or fake until it is in our possession and so in the meantime, we will always respond as though it is real, until we know otherwise. This, of course, is to protect both the public and our officers. 

“All members of the public, especially parents, are asked to think very carefully about the use of such imitations guns, including BB guns, especially in a public place and even more so when it is their children who have possession of such items.”