Image provided by Kelowna RCMP

By Dylana Kneeshaw

CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?

RCMP issues reminder to avoid bringing imitation firearms in public

Aug 5, 2020 | 11:21 AM

KELOWNA — Kelowna RCMP are using a photo comparison to remind the public of the hazards carrying replica firearms in public can bring.

RCMP say officers are seeing more imitation guns showing up during investigations – from drug trafficking, robbery, traffic enforcement, to people walking down the street with what appears to be a gun in their hand.

To show the public how realistic these imitations can be, Kelowna RCMP have distributed a series of photos comparing real weapons with their replicas. The images show an airsoft rifle, a bb pistol, and a 9mm pistol, which are all made to look realistic.

Image provided by Kelowna RCMP

Image provided by Kelowna RCMP

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Police say if these imitations are brought out during a high-risk encounter, or in a situation with poor lighting, it can be difficult for officers to distinguish between the imitations and the real thing. And when RCMP can’t tell if a replica is a dangerous item or not, it can trigger a serious response from police.

“Our officers will treat all these replicas as real until it can be safely proven that they aren’t,” says Inspector Dale Somerville, Operations Officer of the Kelowna RCMP. “Imitation firearms are not toys and they need to be dealt with responsibly. Our message is simple: Avoid the confrontation. Don’t show imitation guns in public.”

RCMP also ask those who sell air guns and replica firearms to be vigilant about who they sell to, and to make sure buyers know these items can be mistaken for lethal weapons.

Image provided by Kelowna RCMP

Image provided by Kelowna RCMP