Petition calls for catapults and slingshots to be made illegal

It comes after "constant issues with criminal damage" caused by people using catapults, including smashed windows.

The petition has been set up by Christine Parry, from Downton, who recently had a window in her home smashed by a catapult and ball bearings.

Christine said: "In Downton we have had many incidents of ball bearing use, recently I had a window smashed, bus stop and two cars were also targeted.

"However, this appalling use goes on through out the country and we are taking it nationwide."

The petition says: "The use of catapults and slingshots have blighted rural areas for too long, providing silent weapons which cause significant harm, damage and loss to our communities.

"The only way the use of such weapons can be stopped is by it being brought to Government and made law.

'Time for a change in law'

Salisbury Police has also backed the petition.

In a post on Facebook, the force said: "Time for a change in the law. Catapults cause harm to communities and there needs to be greater control of these lethal weapons before more harm is caused.

"Please help support a change in the law so that catapults cannot be carried in a public place without legitimate reason, similar to laws for air weapons and crossbows.

"Help the police to prevent crime; not just respond to crime."

The petition proses that lawful activities that catapults could be used for include fishing, target shooting and pest control.

Recent spate of criminal damage caused by the use of catapults in Salisbury

Lawful purpose for possession of a catapult

Inspector Pete Sparrow said he would propose looking at similar control of air-weapons to create laws along the following lines:

• Under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a someone over 21 years of age who accepts parental responsibility.
• Anyone in possession of a catapult in a public place must have a lawful purpose for being in possession at that time, the onus of which is on them at the time.
• Hunting vermin or target shooting on private land – pre-authorisation by the landowner
• Going fishing – in possession of fishing tackle
• Not be in possession, except transportation as above, within 50 metres of a road, byway or public right of way
• Catapults must be safely stored in private addresses to prevent unauthorised access.
• Catapults used on private land must not leave the curtilage of that land. This is the responsibility of the person firing the catapult, the person supervising (when supervising a youth) and the landowner.
• The landowner will take responsibility for permitting intentional or reckless use of catapults on their land that leads to injury or damage caused on or off their land.

Richard Clewer,  Wiltshire Councillor for Downton and Ebble Valley, has urged people to sign the petition. 

He said: "Following the constant issues with criminal damage caused by people using catapults in Downton and surrounding villages, Christine Parry has launched a petition on the House of Commons petition site.

"The use of catapults and slingshots have blighted rural areas for too long, providing silent weapons which cause significant harm, damage and loss to our communities.'

"I would urge you all to take a look and to sign it if you feel able to."

If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it, and at 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.

To view the petition, click here.

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