New figures have revealed an alarming rise in the use of imitation firearms.

Figures released today show offences climbed to nearly 100 across the county in 2004 compared to just 29 the previous year.

Sussex Police said they intended fighting the problem with a new campaign aimed at education and getting traders to sign up to a voluntary code of practice.

Offences where imitation firearms have been used range from threatening behaviour to possession in public.

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Williams said: "These incidents could involve air weapons, BB guns, replicas or even toy guns but they all have one thing in common - to the passerby or observer they may appear to be a genuine firearm.

"Any such calls from members of the public are taken seriously and in the absence of any information we would respond to each and every firearm incident as if it is the real thing."

Operation Holster, he said, would include educating children in schools about the dangers through lessons and a DVD, an awareness campaign for the public and restricting the ease with which people can buy imitation firearms.

He said: "To do this the force is seeking the co-operation of traders to sign up to a voluntary code of practice aimed at restricting the sale of replica firearms, soft air weapons, BB guns or even toy guns."

John Peerless, head of trading standards at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "We intend doing all we can to assist the police with this project.

"Imitation weapons have been a major public concern for a number of years and it is heartening to know effective legislation will soon be going through Parliament. We want to help traders adjust to these changed circumstances and this code of practice is the best mechanism for this."

Police at Whitehawk, Brighton, and trading standards have been involved in a number of initiatives in recent years to reduce the risks.

It was agreed with the organisers of the Brighton racecourse market to include a clause banning the sale of imitation weapons.

Mr Peerless said: "A number of traders were banned from the market as a result.

"Trading standards also assisted the police and fire brigade in supporting an exchange of BB guns for water pistols that was organised by the Crew Club in Whitehawk."

The issue was discussed at Whitehawk Crime Reduction Group which lobbied Kemp Town MP Des Turner to approach the home secretary about changes to the law.

Mr Peerless added: "We have extensive experience in dealing with age restricted products and will be helping the trade with these matters.

"Evidence suggests the vast majority of incidents involving imitation weapons are committed by teenagers."

Trading Standards and the police have written to traders to introduce the voluntary code of practice and invite them to agree not to sell imitation firearms.