The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

8 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,September 20, 2011 Replica gun use on the rise: Police Halton Regional Police cadet Geoff Ball holds a realistic-looking toy Beretta handgun (left), as well as a similar-looking police issue Smith & Wesson MP40 handgun. By KATHY YANCHUS Metroland Media Group When a contractor walked by an open apartment door in a downtown Milton building recently and spotted a gun, he immediately notified Halton Regional Police. When officers arrived, the door was still ajar, the gun clearly visible atop a table. Police identified themselves and when no one responded, they entered the apartment with guns drawn. As it turned out, the occupant wasn't in the apartment, and the gun was fake. But in those critical seconds as they made the decision to enter the unit, officers knew nothing of what awaited them inside. Other than small lettering and a `made in Taiwan' imprint, the black handgun was indistinguishable from the Berettas formerly used by police, and strikingly similar to the guns they currently carry. The toy gun had been spraypainted black to appear real. Unfortunately, it wasn't an isolated incident; toy or replica guns painted to resemble real firearms are surfacing more often, according to Halton Police Constable Jay Kenzaki. Another was discovered this summer along with drugs locked in a vault. The perpetrator had altered the toy for protection purposes. "We are seeing them more and more. I'm not sure why. Maybe people are just becoming more aware of them," said Kenzaki. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, replica firearms are considered to be any device that's not a real firearm, but is manufactured or altered to resemble a real firearm, and they're prohibited by law. The toy guns creating a problem for police being as clear plastic airsoft guns available from some local retailers. They shoot plastic pellets and are powered either through compressed gas, electric motor or springs. Although you must be 18 years of age to purchase most airsoft guns, they're being used by those much younger, said Kenzaki. Making the toy guns look as realistic as possible is more fun for them, he said. "One can of spray paint is all they need." The potential for a tragic outcome is all too real, he added. "It's our worst nightmare." Police don't have the benefit in the midst of a potentially life-threatening situation to check the authenticity of a gun, he said. "We don't have a problem with toy guns as long as they are used responsibly. I can't stress this enough that they should be used under the supervision of an adult." Photo by Graham Paine Metroland West Media Group WANTED Homes With Asphalt Shingles in Need of Replacement Ontario Shake N' Tile, Ontario's most trusted metal roofing specialist, is looking for homes in your area that need a new roof and never want to roof again. We offer the beauty and elegance of a natural wood shake roof with the durability and unmatched performance of metal. It comes with a lifetime transferable warranty against: winds, rain, snow, moss, hail and tree resin. This beautiful roof is being introduced to your local market now. If you participate in our Display Home Program, we will reduce our already competitive pricing and make it worth your while to investigate the many benefits of our roof. You must book your job within 10 days of this advertisement. Low payments, 100% financing available, O.A.C. www.roofontario.com Call NOW for HUGE Savings! 1-888-271-7119 HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY THIS WEEKEND? WALK FOR GEORGETOWN HOSPITAL AND HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CT SCANNER AND E.R. EXPANSION! 4th Annual Walk for Georgetown Hospital Sunday, September 25th, 2011 Pledge Form Participant Name _________________________________ Team Name ( If Applicable)_____________________ Address_______________________________________ City___________________ Postal Code______________ Phone No._________________________ Email___________________________ T-Shirt Size Youth, S M L Adult, S M L XL (Please circle one only) Donor Name Address Phone No. Method of Payment (Circle One) Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Cash Cheque Check if Receipt Required £ REGISTRATION: 9:30am WALK STARTS AT 11:00am Lunch, Prizes and Awards HOSPITAL COURTYARD - 1 PRINCESS ANNE DRIVE Free parking available for participants REGISTER ON-LINE TODAY TO START EARNING PLEDGE PRIZES! Sponsored p by £ · Best Western Plus · Solinst · OLON Industries · Spriggs Insurance · Prosperity One · McDonalds · Maple Lodge Farms · Ollie's Ski & Bike · Party Balloons & Gifts · J.V. Clothing · · · Make cheques payable to: Georgetown Hospital Foundation Receipts will only be issued for gifts of $10 or more unless requested Charitable Registration #82001 2276 RR0001 www.georgetownhospitalfoundation.ca or call 905-873-0111 Ext 8220 for more information