A hard-hitting message has gone out from Surrey Police warning residents about the dangers of using BB guns in public places. Police are launching a major four-week campaign to inform people that BB and replica guns often look identical to real weapons, and to warn them that using these items could put them in the firing line of armed police officers. Inspector Paul Pearson, from the Tactical Firearms Unit, said: "Our armed response officers are highly trained, but even they can find it impossible to tell the difference between a BB and a real gun – especially when they first arrive at a scene and see the gun from a long distance away. "Firearms officers have to make a split-second decision about whether a situation poses a threat. With many people owning realistic- looking BB guns – particularly teenagers – we are worried that an armed officer could be forced to take lethal action against someone who appears to pose a significant threat." To warn people about the risk, impactive 'blood splatter' adverts are being shown on bus shelters in residential and shopping areas. Posters are also being put up in schools and youth clubs to target teenagers who own the weapons and officers are visiting secondary schools to explain the dangers. Over the last seven years the number of offences involving BB and replica guns reported to Surrey Police has significantly increased; from 54 in 2000, and 44 in 2001, to 105 in 2005, and 97 in 2006. Owning a BB or replica gun is not illegal. However, if it is carried in public and causes someone to have a fear of violence, this is a potential offense with a maximum punishment of up to five years in prison. Inspector Paul Pearson concluded: "Our basic advice is don't carry BB guns in public at all – only use them responsibly in private places. "Make sure you are out of sight of onlookers who could mistake the gun for a real weapon and ensure that any BBs or pellets you fire remain inside your property."