Catapult Misuse in Devizes

Catapult Misuse in Devizes

We are continuing to receive concerning reports about the use of catapults in Devizes.

Officers are aware of a group using catapults to damage property across the town and would like to remind the public of the laws surrounding catapults and slingshots:

Catapults (slingshots) are legal to own and purchase in the UK. However, carrying one in a public place without a lawful reason may result in prosecution under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 if it is considered an offensive weapon.

Using a catapult to harm wildlife or damage property may constitute criminal offences, including breaches of animal welfare legislation, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 and criminal damage laws.

Carrying a catapult openly, or without a clear lawful excuse, could lead to it being seized by police and may result in prosecution.

We ask parents and guardians to be aware of their children's whereabouts and activities, particularly during the school holidays, and to speak to them about the consequences of carrying or misusing catapults.

Wiltshire Police takes reports of this nature seriously. In addition to criminal damage, the misuse of catapults can put members of the public, pets and wildlife at risk of serious injury.

If you witness someone actively using a catapult to harm wildlife, damage property or put people at risk, please call 999. For non-emergency information or to report concerns, please contact us online or via 101.

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Message Sent By
Charlotte Martin
(Wiltshire Police, Media Officer, Wiltshire)