Lloydminster RCMP is urging youth and parents to recognize the dangers of replica firearms after responding to a series of recent incidents involving teens.
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Between April 14 and 22, police handled multiple firearms-related complaints involving young people in the community. Officers safely seized one airsoft-style toy gun during the responses.
Mounties say imitation firearms — including airsoft, pellet, BB and toy guns — can be difficult or impossible to distinguish from real weapons, creating serious public safety risks.
Police treat all firearms calls as high priority. When responding, officers must assume any reported weapon is real, increasing the risk for the person carrying the item, bystanders and police.
“This incident could have had very serious consequences,” said Sgt. Chris Byford, operations supervisor with Lloydminster RCMP. “Replica firearms can look very real and can still cause injury to others or damage to property.”
Byford said officers have no way of knowing whether a weapon is real when responding to a call, and situations can escalate quickly when replica firearms are displayed in public.
During the incidents, officers exercised due diligence and seized a bead gun without injury. Police also provided education to the youth involved and to students across Lloydminster schools about the risks and potential consequences tied to imitation firearms.
RCMP are encouraging parents to speak with their children about the dangers of using or carrying replica guns in public spaces.
“Parents play an important role in preventing incidents like this,” Byford said. “We encourage families to have open conversations about replica and toy guns and to ensure these items are not taken into public spaces.”
Police note that replica firearms designed to resemble real weapons can lead to seizure, criminal charges or other enforcement action, depending on the circumstances.
Anyone with information or concerns about public safety is asked to contact their local RCMP detachment.
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