There have been three incidents in the Central Otago area involving air rifles over the Christmas holiday period, one leading to shots fired at a house and a hole in a window.
Senior Constable Graham Perkins of Alexandra said yesterday a 27-year-old man was trespassed from Central Motor Speedway after being abusive to staff.
The staff noticed a rifle in the man’s parked ute. Police then stopped the man at a Cromwell petrol station where they then searched the vehicle and found an air rifle.
The man is yet to be charged regarding the rifle.
Police were notified by residents about four people who walked up the hills behind the Alexandra Tourist Park into the pine trees and track area with firearms.
Two people were spoken to by police and said they were using the two air rifles.
Snr Const Perkins said the two were told that the area was open to mountainbikers, walkers and dogs and while they were waiting for the rest of the group, police saw three different groups of people walking through the area.
"You can’t use firearms in a built-up area, you can’t shoot birds out of trees in your backyard. It’s about common sense. Even though you don’t need a firearms licence for an air rifle, you still need a few clues about what you are doing," he said.
A Cromwell resident had told police he had found a hole in a window at his address.
He told them the hole was not there before they went to bed the night before.
There was also a small hole in the wall, which indicated that the bullet has gone through the plaster board.
Police said a post from a neighbouring house said it appeared that it had been shot by an air rifle, and that police would speak to occupants.
Inquiries were under way.
Snr Const Perkins said he wanted to reiterate that firearms could not be used in built-up areas.
Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority said there were many air guns available for sale in New Zealand, ranging from low-velocity airsoft guns shooting plastic pellets to air guns that fire metal projectiles. Air guns are defined under the Arms Act 1983 as any air rifle and any air pistol; and any weapon from which, using gas or compressed air (and not by force of explosive), any shot, bullet, missile, or other projectile can be discharged. This includes "BB guns" and airsoft guns.
You have to be aged 18 or older to possess and use air guns, or 16 or 17 with a firearms licence.
Anyone under 18 years of age may use airguns if they are under the "immediate supervision" of a person aged 18 or older or a firearms licence holder.
Air guns can be used on private property with the owner’s permission as well as airsoft and paintball clubs, arenas and businesses. Carrying or using airguns in public places is prohibited without a reasonable excuse. — Additional reporting Steve Hepburn
By Ella Jenkins
