Ontario police report ‘significant increase’ in replica firearms, air guns

(L) An airsoft gun taken into police possession in Perth County, (R) a BB gun taken into police possession in Huron County (Source: OPP West Region)

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning the public about a rise in the use of air guns and replica firearms to commit crimes.

In a video posted to social media, Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said the OPP has seen a “significant increase” in the number of replica firearms and air guns seized by police.

In 2021, OPP pulled 259 imitation firearms off the streets, Sanchuk said. Police confiscated 365 of these weapons in 2024.

“The use of air guns or replica firearms to commit crimes can lead to serious consequences,” Sanchuk said.

“Anyone who uses an air gun or replica firearm to commit a crime could face the same penalties under the Criminal Code as someone who uses a regular firearm.”

Sanchuk also raised concerns about the dangers of using air guns.

“Officers are trained to treat armed individuals as a significant public safety risk, until proven otherwise,” he said.