Prestwick Airport has warned holidaymakers not to bring back souvenir weapons from trips abroad or they could face prosecution, the Evening Times reports. Police and border control staff launched a campaign at the airport to highlight the fact that what seems an innocent memento of a holiday can be an offensive weapon.
Police officers said last year they seized a number of weapons from people returning to the UK, including flick knives, knuckle-dusters and death stars. They are working with boarder control staff, targeting holiday flights over the summer period, with several weapons removed already.
Inspector Bob Smith, airport commander, said: 'We continue in our attempts to reduce incidents of violence and weapons carrying on the streets of Scotland. Too many people are still being killed or maimed by others who are prepared to carry weapons.'
'I'm appealing to holidaymakers to think about the potential consequences of bringing back weapons. These items may be readily available while you're abroad, but when you get home they are classed as offensive weapons.'
Mark Rodwell, chief executive officer at Prestwick Airport, said: 'At best the weapon will be confiscated, leaving passengers out of pocket. At worst, passengers could be prosecuted.Most people don't appreciate the dangers associated with bringing dangerous weapons into the country.' |
