Amnesty
Attracts Big Guns
Over fifty imitation firearms have been surrendered
by members of the public in Avon and Somerset during the guns amnesty
in June.
Weapons
surrendered included BB guns, toy guns and even a replica 7ft Musket.
Superintendent Andy Pullan said: 'We find that imitation guns are often
bought as presents for children and young people from car boot sales.
'But the use of these realistic looking weapons in public could result
in children facing armed officers, putting themselves and others in real
danger, and being arrested.
'Every firearm we take out of circulation is one less posing a danger
to the public.'
The amnesty was part of a wider campaign to highlight the dangers of possessing
imitation firearms.
Imitation weapons present a significant risk to the force. Many are now
carried by young people in a misguided attempt to reinforce their image
or provide some form of self-protection.
Of all incidents requiring armed police attendance in Avon and Somerset
90% are found to involve imitation guns or air weapons.
Officers have visited 31 secondary schools across the force to deliver
an educational package to youngsters explaining the dangers of possessing
imitation firearms. These talks have been so successful that over 20 schools
have requested a follow up visit.
A dramatic DVD about the dangers of possessing imitation guns, made with
help from pupils from Bristol Fairfield High School and firearms officers,
was posted on the dedicated campaign web page http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/firearms
So
far, the 'Innocence' DVD has been viewed almost 200 times online.
Superintendent Pullan added: 'There is no doubt that guns are dangerous
and I feel that the aims of the initiative locally have more than been
met by the overwhelming response we've had from the public. I would like
to thank each and every person who has handed a weapon in and also the
police staff that have dealt with this so efficiently.
'Each and every gun handed in will be destroyed and cannot be used to
kill, injure or threaten. I am very pleased by the response we've had
locally and the continual efforts made to educate youngsters on the dangers
these weapons pose. This gun awareness campaign is a clear sign of our
commitment to making our communities safer.'
