POLICE have issued warnings and advice about the use of BB guns following a number of incidents across Hertfordshire in which they have been misused.

Officers have appealed for the co-operation of parents to ensure the guns, which shoot small metal or plastic pellets, are used properly and safely. They are also urging shopkeepers not to sell them to children under 17, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Firearms Licensing Manager Paul Klein said: "BB guns are very popular with youngsters. They are not illegal and, used properly, they are perfectly acceptable.

"However, we are increasingly getting calls about people, especially youths, misusing BB guns by using them to frighten others or cause an injury to someone.

"It would be helpful from our perspective if legislation could be implemented to control the manufacture and sale of these firearms. But until that happens, if parents are happy for their children to own BB guns, we would urge them to supervise their use and restrict them to their own back garden. Some parents may be unaware that their children are using these weapons in such an irresponsible way."

He warned: "These guns, which fire small ball bearings, can easily be mistaken for a real firearm and so anyone with a BB gun in a public place could be arrested for firearms offences.

"Owners of BB guns should also be aware that crimes or offences involving a BB gun can carry just as severe sentences as those in which a real firearm is used."

If anyone witnesses any incidents involving the misuse of these guns, they should contact the police immediately.

June 25, 2002 16:30