Victoria Police have seized six imitation firearms over a period of two days while responding to calls.

On Jan. 11, 2024 just before 8am, officers received a report of a man smashing windows on the ground floor of a building in the 200-block of Cook Street. 

VicPD

The suspect was located nearby and arrested. Officers found three imitation firearms, 0.22-caliber ammunition, two ounces of drugs, and cash after searching him. 

The imitation firearms were glock-style pellet guns with air-powered magazines, with a similar look and feel to the firearms used by police.

He also had an outstanding warrant for a previous assault with a weapon incident. He was released with conditions and a future court date. 

VicPD

The following day, VicPD received a report of an argument taking place between a man and a woman in the 700-block of Johnson Street. Police said the man reportedly “appeared to have a handgun tucked in his waistband.”

After a search warrant was approved, officers entered the residence and located two starter pistols, an airsoft pistol, 0.22-caliber ammunition, and shotgun shells. 

Two men inside the home were arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm. They were released with conditions and a future court date. 

Victoria Police say these incidents “reflect an ongoing trend.”

Officers are reportedly seizing an average of two real or imitation firearms per week in Victoria and Esquimalt, as reported during a deep-dive on real and replica firearms early last year. 

In 2023, officers seized 97 real and 42 imitation firearms, a 73% increase in real firearms over 2022. 

“In situations where real or imitation firearms are involved, officers have to make split-second, life or death decisions on how they respond,” added the department.