| Police have issued a final warning to the estimated 800 Tayside owners of self-contained gas cartridge air weapons to take action before police “come knocking”.
Gun owners have been warned they risk being tracked down, and should be in “no doubt” that once this legislation is in effect it will be enforced by Tayside Police.
After midnight, people in possession of such airguns without the necessary firearms certificate will be committing an offence and liable to a minimum five-year and maximum 10-year jail sentence.
A Tayside Police spokesman warned, “After midnight you run the risk of prosecution if you are found in possession of one of these weapons.
“We would urge anyone with one of these weapons to hand them in immediately.”
Only a dozen owners in Tayside have submitted an application for a licence, with a similar number having handed in their weapons for disposal.
Since January 20, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, it has been an offence to manufacture, sell, purchase, transfer or acquire any air weapon that uses a self-contained gas cartridge.
Anyone who already owns one of these weapons, which could be bought legally before January 20, must obtain a firearms certificate.
Tayside Police Deputy Chief Constable Ian Gordon issued a final warning to owners of self-contained gas cartridge air weapons to take action before officers come knocking at their door.
Mr Gordon, Scotland’s lead officer on firearms issues, said he was deeply concerned that so few people seemed to be taking action in advance of the change in legislation.
“There are hundreds of people who are risking a criminal record and possibly even a prison term because they have ignored or misunderstood the advice.
“I want to make it clear to air gun owners that, if they have any doubts whatsoever about the type of weapon covered by this legislation, they must contact the police immediately.
“It has been suggested in some quarters that this inertia is financially motivated, because no compensation is being offered for surrendered weapons and it costs £25 to £50 for a varied or new certificate.
“I would suggest there is greater compensation in the avoidance of prosecution and a criminal record, as well as the potential hefty fine, or even jail term.”
Application forms can be obtained from local police firearms licensing offices.
Anyone who does not wish to keep their weapon can hand it in at any police station. |
