The use of air weapons in crime, its features from a criminal point of view and possible conseques

The phenomenon of crime appears in different dimensions and forms day by day. While evaluating the crime event, it is evaluated as a whole. The location of the crime, the way it was committed, the tool that is the subject of the crime is of judicial importance in terms of illuminating the events. In particular, crimes committed with firearms differ according to the type of weapon and the damage it causes. Air guns are also included in firearms. From a historical perspective, air guns used in various fields such as war, hunting or shooting are generally considered by the vast majority of the public as a harmless toy or entertainment tool, and are not even considered a weapon. However, the damage caused by air guns is undeniable. In fact, studies have shown that it causes significant injuries to humans and animals, and even death as a result of injury. In this study; It is aimed to draw attention to the consequences of the use of air guns, especially in crimes such as damaging and injuring property today and in events that will cause public outrage in the future, and to reveal the examination stages after their use in crime and the damage they cause on the materials we use in our daily life in the light of both visual and numerical data. In this context, three different air guns (2 different ammunition for the guns) were shot from 4 different distances (5, 10, 15 and 25 m) by a single person, by taking the necessary precautions, on various inert but solid materials that we use in our daily life. The shootings in question were carried out by taking the necessary safety precautions/permits, without harming any living thing, and by giving importance to environmental cleanliness. The shots were scaled using a tape scale and the results of the shots made on the materials were evaluated metrically using the Adobe Photoshop CS6 program over the photographs taken by the Canon EOS 600D 18-55MM DC III DSLR brand camera. According to the acquired results ; air guns can cause damage of various sizes through such materials. Muzzle velocities, most 9mm x 19 cal. These weapons, which are seen to be close to the guns, will cause significant damage to living or inanimate objects. It has been observed that the damage and structural changes in thick metal materials by these weapons are less than other materials such as plastic and glass. Among the 3 different types of air guns used, we can itemize the most destructive, distanced and most powerful weapons as PCP semi-automatic air rifles, crushed air rifles and airsoft pistols. Information about the crime scene and criminal investigations to be carried out as a result of the use of such weapons in crime is also included. Stages such as production, sale, transportation/possession, use and licensing of air guns should be tied to a substantial legal basis. Based on the results acquired, we are of the opinion that in the future, such weapons can be used effectively in crimes and events/actions that will cause outrage in the society, and will cause significant material damage to living and inanimate objects in the form of injuries and loss of life.