Daily Herald opinion: Taking aim at look-alikes: New Rosemont rules acknowledge that fake guns can pose real threat

Go ahead and grab your glowing green lightsaber for the next sci-fi inspired convention in Rosemont, but leave the more realistic-looking weapon props at home.

That’s the message of a recently approved ordinance in Rosemont, where public safety officials now can confiscate faux weaponry — and fine users — if fakes hew too closely to the real thing.

Under the new rules approved by the village board, officers can confiscate “any device, object, toy … that a person could reasonably perceive as an actual firearm, gun, Taser, stun-gun, bomb, grenade, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon.” If cited, violators would be subject to fines between $250 and $750 following an administrative hearing.

While other towns may encounter issues when someone mistakes a toy for a dangerous weapon, the change is especially notable — and needed — in Rosemont, home to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, a popular place for Comic Con-type gatherings. This summer alone, the convention center will welcome Anime Midwest, Fanexpo Chicago and Anime Magic — all places likely to draw participants dressed as beloved characters from movies, TV shows and comic books.

Creativity rules at these conventions, with costumes so elaborate — and sometimes so authentic — it’s like mingling with a who’s who of superheroes, super-villains and characters straight out of “Star Wars.”

But that attention to detail has a down side.

Rosemont police report they’ve gotten calls from people who’ve mistaken harmless imitations for the real thing, as our Chris Placek points out in an article about the change earlier this week.

Police must take these reports seriously and respond as needed. Yet that response could have unintended consequences, meaning fake weapons can pose a very real threat to participants and bystanders alike.

“We have come across far too many times fake guns that look real even after close examination,” said Lt. Joe Balogh of the public safety department. “Those are the threats we are trying to eliminate.”

Though issues with fakes have mostly come out of the convention center area, the ban doesn’t stop there. Residents and visitors are prohibited from “carrying, possession or use” of imitation weapons in all venues controlled by the village, including the Allstate Arena, the Rosemont Theatre, parks, parking lots, streets and rights of way.

“In our eyes,” Balogh added, “it is just as dangerous or even more so of an implied threat to the public as groups or individuals walk down the sidewalk with imitation weapons.”

Officials are clear that they are not looking to grab “obviously fake” weapons, whether they’re costume store finds or homemade creations. But participants should err on the side of caution.

It’s not enough to just set those fake phasers to stun. Sometimes, you just have to leave them at home.