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Dangerous Play: Boston Bans Toy Guns in Public

Replica handguns are now banned in public spaces in Boston, and anyone caught will have to pick up their confiscated weapon at a police station.
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The city of Boston has passed a new law banning realistic-looking toy handguns across the city.

Mayor Marty Walsh signed the ordinance Monday, at a ceremony where he joined by local clergy as well as Police Commissioner William Evans.

Replica handguns are now banned in public spaces in Boston, and anyone caught will have to pick up their confiscated weapon at a police station. Offenders under 18 will have their parents contacted.

The ordinance is aimed at increasing public safety by allowing police to confiscate replicas and keep them off the streets.

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said that he wants to educate parents on the dangers of replica guns: "These aren't toys, these very much can injure your young child."

After 12-year old Tamir Rice was shot last year by police in Cleveland, after holding what turned out to be a toy gun, officials say they are trying to prevent similar incidents.

Related: Tamir Rice: Two Reports Conclude Officer's Shooting Was Justified

"We can't charge people for carrying toy guns around the city of Boston ... but we can continue to talk to manufacturers," Walsh told reporters.

Mayor Walsh said that the fake guns are often almost exact replicas of real guns, and officers are often forced to make split-second decisions.

"Why produce a gun that is an exact replica of a handgun?"

According to a press release from the Mayor's Office, police have already confiscated almost 150 replica handguns this year. The regulation is effective immediately.