https://news.sky.com/story/west-midlands-police-officer-says-he-feared-for-his-life-as-suspect-pointed-gun-in-his-face-12411074
These incidents have become more frequent and I feel that it will not be long before parliamentary steps are taken get RIFs off our streets.
I wonder what UKARA are doing to try to reduce the fate of this hobby. Maybe we should keep our RIFs locked up on our local sites or our local police station...
Simple, each RIF has to have a serial number and it is registered to that individual like in an RFD the RIF is passed from the shop as owner to the client that purchased and if they want to sell, to be sold via any shop that deals with RIF's and stop selling privately as that is how these things end up in idiots hands.
Theft is another way, people should stow their equipment in gun cabinets that are bolted to a sturdy wall and only brought out to play when needed.
As long as selling a RIF has to be done via a broker or a shop, then you safeguard from these things ending up being used in criminal activity.
Making it an offence to possess one that is not registered to you or family member, who would be responsible for that individual RIF and should not be allowing unauthorised use of the RIF.
Loopholes can be closed with legislation and strict controls on the sale or movement, as long as responsible players comply, the sport lives on, otherwise, these individuals are only going to spoil it for thousands of people who find the sport invaluable. If it comes to it, the game could become close membership situation like when gun clubs close their doors to new membership, sites may do just that, shutter its doors to all new members.
IMHO the guy needs to be given 10 years minimum as a warning and example to others who would think of using RIF's or Imitation firearms in criminal activity.