OPP warns of real consequences of use of fake firearms to commit crimes

(L) An airsoft gun taken into police possession in Perth County, (R) a BB gun taken into police possession in Huron County (Source: OPP West Region)

OPP have identified a rising number of replica firearms being used to commit crimes.

According to police data, 365 air guns, air pistols or air handguns were seized by police last year in criminal investigations, a significant climb from 230 in 2020.

Source: OPP West Region

Police say that replica firearms pose a very real threat - forcing citizens and police to make split second judgements about the danger that they face when faced with a replica designed to look legitimate.

Air guns and replica firearms can lead to serious charges when used to commit crimes, as they’re considered firearms if used to threaten, intimidate or commit an offense. They could result in the same charges as the use of a real firearm.

“An individual who uses an imitation firearm to commit crimes like kidnapping, robbery or sexual assault could face a mandatory minimum penalty of one year in prison upon conviction,” said Chief Superintendent Dwight Thib, OPP West Region Commander. “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.”

The use of replica firearms is dangerous to the user as officers are trained to treat armed individuals as a public safety risk until proven otherwise.