Police have appealed to owners of replica firearms like gel blasters to familiarise themselves with laws coming into place in Queensland next month.
More than 100 people have been charged with misusing gel blasters since 2018. Police have launched a campaign explaining their safe use ahead of legislation coming into effect on February 1.
"Gel blasters and other replicas can look very similar to real firearms and we don't want them used to threaten people or commit crimes," Acting Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors said on Friday.
"We don't want accidents to happen and that's the greatest concern."
A person found guilty of misusing a gel blaster could be sentenced to more than two years in jail.
From February 1 it will be an offence to openly carry gel blasters that could be confused with a weapon or firearm.
Gel blasters are used for recreational purposes or collected as a replica.
They are not classified as a firearm or category of weapons and don't require a licence, according to the new law.
"What we're asking is that people take appropriate precautions to secure those items, to keep them out of sight and to carry them in closed bags and containers so as not to cause alarm," Acting Assistant Commissioner Connors said.
Gel blasters should be stored securely in a locked cupboard or bag, according to the new laws. They don't need to be in a gun safe.
When transported they should be kept out of sight such as in a car boot, rather than on a back seat.
