It's a worry...

[Egon_247]

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/23685737.sussex-police-issue-warning-air-guns-reports-firearms/

Either a slow news day or some muppet waving a rif.

We don't need people like this.....

(Also had to chuckle at the two tone bit)

 

[Cannonfodder]

I saw that too. Tbh I'm not that worried as it looks to me like a slow news day. The Argus is one of those low quality rags who regularly run non stories and nobody takes seriously.

I'm in a facebook group called angry people in local newspapers which takes this piss out of idiots running to the local papers about dumb stuff and the argus regularly feature

 

[Egon_247]

Yup, already in that group. ???

 

[Cannonfodder]

Yup, already in that group. ???

#justiceforRon

 

[Madhouse]

I thought The Argus was just a made up rag in the Roy Grace books.

Turns out it’s real-life chip paper …. not that the chippy’s allowed to use newspapers any more.

The sentiment’s there though - don’t wave your RIF about in public folks.

 

[Rogerborg]

Sounds like they've caught some lads larking around with rattlecan-painted IFs.  It doesn't even sound like they've been prosecuted for the FA 1968 S19 public possession, let alone the VCRA S36 modification offence, so I'm guessing it's been disposed of via "boys will be boys".

The S19 defence for a "reasonable excuse" is a pretty low bar. Cosplayers have been sent on their way with a telling off after RIFfing it up in airports, and a Scotch Sheriff has said "playing cowboys and Indians" would count.

Gonnae no dae that, though.

 

[Cannonfodder]

I got the impression it was more likely air rifles as airsoft was only mentioned at the end 

 

[Rogerborg]

I got the impression it was more likely air rifles as airsoft was only mentioned at the end 

I inferred IF-to-RIF from:

"In some cases, items are made to look more realistic by being repainted. If the colour of the items is changed to make them look like a real firearm, this risks causing unnecessary concern to the general public."

But, yes, it could be either, and it's the same S19 offence regardless.

 

[Cannonfodder]

Fair enough.  As you posted though  it's the same offence. To me it looks like plod were just putting out a reminder to people not to be idiots but, in typical gutter press fashion, the paper are trying to paint it like there's gangs roaming the streets opening up on anything