UPDATE 5:38pm: It looks like my criticism for the UK was premature. Look. It is happening in Dallas, Texas, too. (Curtsy to Instapundit)

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4:51pm

In the UK, the Greater Manchester Police have set the deadline for "fake gun amnesty." If citizens turn in their imitation and air guns by March 31st, they will not be prosecuted.

With only three days remaining before the GMP imitation and air gun hand-in comes to an end, police are urging the public to take advantage of this final opportunity to get rid of any weapons they may have without fear of prosecution.

Police are warning that after the hand in comes to an end, there will be a crackdown. People have one month to surrender any imitation weapons and after Monday (31 March 2008), anyone found in possession of these will be prosecuted.

Carrying imitation firearms in a public place without authority is illegal and could lead to six months in prison. Recent legislation aimed at curbing the ownership of firearms makes it illegal to sell, manufacture or import any realistic imitation firearm. It also prohibits the sale or transfer of air weapons unless registered with the police as a firearms dealer.

Unreal. It isn't bad enough that they ban firearms, but now they can't even have a toy gun. What's next? Water pistols?