Airgun legislation given warm welcome by police (From Warrington Guardian)

Airgun legislation given warm welcome by police

POLICE have welcomed legislation banning air weapons from public places following a history of attacks in the town.

Under the new guidelines, it is an offence for a person under 17 to be in possession of an air weapon or ammunition.

This represents welcome news for victims of previous air weapon attacks, particularly owners of pets and animals.

Last September, a four-year-old's pony, Megastar, was shot between the eyes with pellets at Witherwin Farm in Appleton.

And in October, the year before, a Penketh cat owner awoke one day to find her pet Dusty had been killed following a single airgun shot.

Superintendent Neil Booth, of Cheshire Police's Uniform Operations Department, said: "It is reassuring that the majority of crimes involving firearms did not lead to anyone being hurt.

"Criminal damage caused with airguns accounted for 55 per cent of all crimes. Like other firearms offences, thankfully, the position is improving."

During a successful gun amnesty in Warrington last April, police recovered a collection of air rifles that were handed in by the public.

From May 1, it will be an offence to possess an air weapon without a firearms certificate. Before this date, gun owners must apply for a certificate or hand in the weapon at the police station for disposal.

Exceptions to the law include being a member of an approved club, at a shooting a gallery or under the supervision of a person aged 21 and above.

Parents are being urged to show greater responsibility with their children after figures showed most air weapon offences were committed by youngsters aged between 10 and 19.