Ch Insp Trickey holding two firearms, one imitation and one real.

In addition, real weapons were accepted. However, the Force could not offer amnesty from prosecution to anyone handing in a real weapon.

In total, 44 imitation weapons were handed in during the surrender and a number of real weapons were also handed in – including 32 shotguns and 11 samurai swords.

Chief Inspector Wesley Trickey, from the Dorset Police Specialist Operations Group, said: “The surrender has provided a valuable opportunity to take a number of imitation and real weapons out of circulation.

“Imitation weapons cause great fear and distress because they are just so realistic. In fact, most imitation weapons are indistinguishable from real weapons.”

During the initiative, which ran from 1 March to 1 April 2008, officers also visited shops to make sure they were following legislation surrounding the sale of imitation weapons.

Firearms officers – and Safer Neighbourhood teams – also visited local schools to distribute posters warning of the penalties for carrying an imitation weapon.

Chief Inspector Trickey explained: “Although not a large-scale problem in Dorset, we are committed to tackling the availability, and use of, imitation weapons in the county and we have undertaken extensive work to achieve this – including this surrender scheme.

“We are seeing great results and, in particular, retailers have worked closely with us and have stopped selling certain items. Two retailers have ceased trading altogether.

“Our work does not stop with the end of the surrender, we will continue to visit schools and retailers to ensure our message is loud and clear – that carrying a realistic imitation or real gun, is illegal and will not be tolerated in Dorset.”

The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 makes it an offence to manufacture, import or sell realistic imitation guns unless they are made available for specific reasons, contained in the legislation.

The maximum sentence for carrying an imitation gun in a public place without reasonable excuse or lawful authority has been increased from six months to 12 months imprisonment. 
 
For general enquiries or to report a non-urgent crime, call Dorset Police on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22. Only dial 999 if life is in danger or a crime is in progress.