A POLICE replica extendable baton was found in a Masterton store and police national headquarters are now tracking the importers to get it banned.
Masterton police Senior Sergeant Warwick Burr said the baton was found yesterday by community Constable Dean Fawcett and the storeowner said at least 20 batons had been sold in Masterton already, at a sale price of $49.95.
"If someone in the public was seen with this baton it would be deemed an offensive weapon and they would be liable to be arrested and charged."
Mr Burr said the baton, described on the packaging as a solid steel stick with sheath, is almost identical to the police-issue safety baton.
"Police will be requesting that the shop withdraw it from sale.
"We're also making inquiries through police national headquarters that will be speaking with the importers of the weapon," he said.
Mr Fawcett said the storeowner had identified the baton as a fish priest when asked what its purpose was.
Replica police baton on sale
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