OPP warn that replica firearms are public safety threat

(LONDON, ON) - If someone pointed a replica firearm or an air gun at you, would you be able to tell the difference in the heat of the moment? Would you be willing to bet your life on it?

These are the split-second decisions that crime victims and members of the OPP must make when confronted by a person armed with a replica firearm or air gun designed to look like the real thing.

The West Region OPP is experiencing a significant increase in the number of air guns and replica firearms now in police possession after being taken from individuals who may have used them in the commission of a crime.

The data sheet (below) shows the number of replica or air guns in the West Region OPP’s possession.



The use of air guns and replica firearms to commit crimes can lead to serious consequences because they're considered to be firearms under the Criminal Code if they're used to threaten, intimidate or commit an offence. Anyone who uses an air gun or replica firearm to commit a crime could face the same penalties under the Criminal Code as someone who uses a regular firearm.

Replica firearms are also dangerous to those who use them because officers are trained to treat armed individuals as a significant public safety risk until proven otherwise.

“An individual who uses an imitation firearm to commit crimes, such as kidnapping, robbery or sexual assault, could face a mandatory minimum penalty of one year in prison upon conviction,” says chief superintendent Dwight Thib, commander, West Region OPP. “This sentence must be added on to the sentence for the main offence. Using replica and air guns in a crime isn’t safe for the user or the public.”

Full regulations and guidelines regarding air guns and replica firearms and their use, can be found on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website.