If someone pointed a replica firearm or an air gun at you, would you be able to tell the difference in the heat of the moment? Would you be willing to bet your life on it?
These are the split-second decisions that crime victims and OPP officers must make when confronted by a person armed with a replica firearm or air gun designed to look like the real thing.
There is a significant increase in the number of air guns and replica firearms now in police possession after being taken from individuals who may have used them in the commission of a crime.
"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 Dwight Thib, the OPP's West Region Commander Chief Superintendent.
"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," says Thib.
In 2024 the West Region seized 365 air guns or air pistols, according to police data. That's up from 310 in 2023, 270 in 2022, 259 in 2021 and 230 in 2020.
The use of air guns and replica firearms to commit crimes can lead to serious consequences because they're considered to be firearms under the Criminal Code if they're to threaten, intimidate or commit an offence. Anyone who uses an air gun or replica firearm to commit a crime could face the same penalties under the Criminal Code as someone who uses a regular firearm.
Replica firearms are also dangerous to those who use them because officers are trained to treat armed individuals as a significant public safety risk until proven otherwise.
Full regulations and guidelines regarding air guns and replica firearms and their use can be found on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website.
