THE head of policing in Clackmannanshire feels the county will be that little bit safer with more than 150 airguns now off the streets.

Over the last three weeks Police Scotland have held a surrender campaign to allow all those who current own air rifles to hand them over to police before a change in the law takes place later this year.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser:
Those who want to keep the weapons will be able to do so by acquiring a license.

New rules to tighten airgun controls will come into effect on December 31, but were initially brought about after a toddler in Glasgow died when he was shot in the head by a drug addict.

In Clackmannanshire there has been a handful of airgun-related incidents, chief among which was in March 2015 when a man barricaded himself inside his home in Alloa and shot at police with an air rifle.

Furthermore, in July last year a cat had its leg amputated after being shot a pellet in Tillicoultry, while an ice cream van in Alloa was struck by an air rifle in March.

However, over the last few weeks hundreds of air rifles and a few handguns have been handed to police.

Chief Inspector Drew Sinclair, area commander for Clackmannanshire hopes the fewer weapons on the street would limit airgun-related incidents in the future.

He told the Advertiser: "We've had over 150 air rifles and handguns surrendered to us over the last three weeks – that's something we are very happy with.

"We had no idea what to expect as we weren't sure how many weapons like this were out there.

"This surrender campaign has shown that a lot of people are being responsible in handing in these weapons as they don't plan on applying for a license.

"We would like to thank everyone for coming forward and even though the period to hand over air guns is officially over, we will still accept from people until the legislation comes into force.

"There's no doubt these weapons can do some amount of damage, both to property and to people. In the wrong hands they can be very, very dangerous.

"This campaign has come under the banner of keeping people safe. And if the weapons have been disposed, then they are out of the hands of those who might misuse them.

"Not all owners are irresponsible but not having these weapons out there does take away the potential for related anti-social behaviour.

"And with that in mind, we are happy to see 150 air guns off the streets."

The chief inspector added: "I would like to add that none of this has been an effort to criminalise the actions of responsible owners. Hunters and those in gun clubs, who have applied for a license, will still be able to continue to use them in the same way they have before.

"We're not looking to take air guns away from those who use them responsibly.

"However, those who ignore the legislation and who misuse air guns will be dealt with appropriately."

As of December 31, possessing an airgun without a license will be a criminal offence, punishable with a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment.