WIREDGOV

Washroom ads, on-line gaming ads, internet virals, posters, leaflets and a dedicated website will be used in a hard hitting campaign to warn Scots about the dangers and consequences using of air and replica guns.

The adverts spell out the punishments, a fine or jail sentence, and highlight the potential consequences such as injuring or killing a person or animal or being challenged by a police armed response unit.

The campaign follows the refusal by the Home Office to review and update the Firearms legislation, devolve the powers to the Scottish Government or allow Scotland to pilot a simple licensing system for airguns.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:

"Too many people in Scotland treat air and replica guns as toys. The simple fact is that they can cause injury and they can even kill - they are dangerous.

"The law around air and replica guns is too confusing and needs to be reformed. However the Home Secretary refuses to either do this or devolve the powers so that the Scottish Government can.

"That doesn't mean that we'll sit on our hands and watch as these weapons cause more damage in Scottish communities. This campaign will help to educate people about the potential penalties and consequences of misusing these guns.

"It makes clear that air and replica guns are not toys and that there can be very few, if any, reasons to be out on the streets with them. It also spells out the potential for people who misuse them to be fined or even sent to prison.

"The message to anyone who has an air or replica gun with no good reason is to get rid of it safely by handing it in to the police. Any members of the public who are concerned about any weapon should call Crimestoppers Scotland on 0800 555 111.

"The adverts in bus shelters and phone boxes will shortly be seen around Scotland - with a focus on the areas with the greatest problem of airgun misuse.

"The leaflets and posters are being sent out to police, community safety partnerships and campus officer for display in local communities. While the internet and online in game ads will be on the web today.

"I'd like to thank all the organisations who've been involved in developing this campaign. I believe it will help to dispel the myth that air guns are a toy and help make Scotland safer and stronger."

Assistant Chief Constable Colin Menzies (Grampian Police), Secretary of the Operational Policing Business Area for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), said:

"Every year, the misuse of air weapons results in the needless injury and even death of members of the public as well as a variety of acts of vandalism in our communities.

"Replica firearms and air weapons can often be undistinguishable from real firearms until closely examined by ballistic experts. Whilst highly skilled, armed police officers attending firearms incidents, in many instances, do not have the opportunity to distinguish a replica from a real weapon and have to assess the risk posed to the public and themselves.

"The dangers to persons misusing these weapons can not be overstated.

"The Scottish Police Service will continue to work to enforce legislation in this area and support the Scottish Government in educational programmes to raise public awareness."

Crimestoppers Scotland Chairman Adam Findlay said:

"The independent charity Crimestoppers is delighted to be partnering the Scottish Government on this campaign.

"The misuse of firearms is a serious problem. If you know anyone with a firearm please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. We don't want to know who you are, just what you know."

The Scottish Government has worked with a number of other organisations - including ACPOS, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the Gun Control Network, the Scottish Target Shooting Federation, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals and Crimestoppers Scotland to develop this campaign.

Related Information

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/crimes/Firearms