Targeting the airgun threat
6 Jul 2009 09:46 AM
A second phase of activity to raise awareness of the dangers of airguns, including a new internet ad, kicks off today.
The campaign, which uses MSN adverts, internet virals, posters and leaflets, is restarting for the summer - as police advice indicates this is when airgun incidents are most likely to occur.
It comes as figures revealed the first phase of the campaign saw over 130,000 plays of the internet viral and almost 15,000 visits to the campaign web site.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:
"Air guns are not toys, but weapons that can kill and maim. There have been tragedies that have caused pain and injury to children and animals. That's why we believe that action must be taken.
"We have been working closely with our police forces - and they've told us that that long summer days, light evenings and school holidays mean that incidents peak in the summer months.
"That's why we've decided to run another burst of our successful campaign to highlight the dangers of airgun misuse. There have been over 130,000 plays of the internet viral and nearly 15,000 hits on our website.
"We've had a real success with the online ads, so we've developed two new ads for use on MSN. We're pleased with the results so far and this next phase will build on that progress.
"Meanwhile there will be no let up in our drive to reform the law on airguns. While I do welcome the recommendations from the Calman commission that the law on airguns should be devolved, I believe all firearms legislation should be included. We need a firearms system that is consistent, easier to understand and enforce: not the current incoherent muddled legislation.
"I've written to the new Home Secretary Alan Johnson, urging him to devolve firearms law in its entirety. This will enable us to put a system in place that meets Scotland's needs.
"That can help us better protect Scottish communities, until it happens we'll continue to do what we can to educate Scots about the dangers of these weapons."
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