Replica handgun found near a bank, Coquitlam RCMP say

Someone found a replica handgun in the dirt near a bank, according to Coquitam RCMP.

While fake, the weapon looks real enough to raise concerns and Mounties are congratulating the individual who turned in the replica gun.

In a tweet Monday, Coquitlam RCMP said even replica weapons should be turned in if found.

"The homeowner did the right thing and turned it over to the police."

The rubber replica/toy firearm was found with no serial numbers buried in a homeowner's garden on Monday (Nov. 7.).

It was found while the resident was landscaping in a garden near a bank in Coquitlam, RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Alexa Hodgins confirmed.

"We do not typically receive many reports regarding found replica weapons," she said.

However, police are cautioning people if they do find something that looks like a weapon to not pick it up and to call police to protect their own safety.

"If you are unsure if it’s real, please leave it in place until police arrive. We want to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others."

According to the RCMP, replica handguns are prohibited if they look like a real weapon.

"To be prohibited as a replica firearm, a device must closely resemble an existing make and model of firearm. If it is an antique firearm, as defined by the Criminal Code and corresponding regulations, it is not prohibited," the RCMP website states.

If you find a weapon, replica or real, report it to the Police.

If you are unsure if it’s real, please leave it in place until Police arrive.

We want to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others.

— Coquitlam RCMP (@cqrcmp) November 7, 2022