BB Guns
BB Guns are an up and coming problem that causes great distress for many people. They are increasingly being used as imitation firearms.
Toys
Although usually sold as toys they can easily be used in crime. Whilst these guns are less powerful they are still firing out missiles that can and do hurt people. They also damage property and cause upset to many people.
Internet
WEB sites may say that “BB guns are totally harmless providing safety rules are observed.” This may be true but all things are safe if safety rules are properly applied. The problem is that these guns are in the hands of some children and young people who are NOT keeping to the safety rules!Assault
If someone is hurt by a pellet hitting them, it is an assault. Depending on the injury it will be dealt with as Common Assault, Actual Bodily Harm, or in the case of a 15 year old girl shot in the eye, Grievous Bodily Harm. It’s a serious offence !
Criminal Damage
If something gets broken or damaged by a pellet, intentionally or recklessly, it’s still Criminal Damage!Upset
If, by you using a BB gun someone gets alarmed or distressed, harassed or they have an accident, there may be offences for which you can be prosecuted.Used in Crime
If YOU intend to use it for crime or make others believe it is real or an imitation gun, there could be more offences!Imitation Firearms
The Firearms Act 1968 states, “An imitation firearm is anything which has the appearance of being a firearm, regardless of whether or not it is capable of discharging a shot, bullet or other missile.”
If you take a BB gun onto the streets you may get arrested for this offence.
Home
If you really must have a BB gun then keep it at home and make sure your pellets do not go outside of your house or garden.
You can also download a PDF copy of this document to use as handouts in a classroom environment or to give to a child (children) in your care, by clicking the link below.