There has been stories circulating about the gunphones since 2001. These stories have again emerged and is not adding to the security that we feel. One could become paranoid concerning cellphones with this one, knowing that about 80% of people around us are using cellphones.

These clever but deadly devices are made of very hard plastic which makes them hard to detect at metal detectors.

At first sight it looks like a regular cell phone — same size, same shape, same overall appearance.

But beneath the digital face lies a .22-caliber pistol, a phone gun capable of firing four rounds in quick succession with a touch of the otherwise standard keypad.

NYPD agents were told in a memo, that these guns are hard to detect but when held, it is heavier than a regular cell phone.

Aparently these cell phones are being made by people who have the know how of gun making, without being licenced gun manufacturers.

These gunphones are illegal and are not the only trend in illegal shotgun devices. Probably inspired by James Bond Movies, there are other custon guns like the gunpens and belt buckle guns.

“This criminal invention represents a potentially serious threat to law enforcement and the public,” said U.S. Customs Service Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly.
“We received word about these guns last month. We have since alerted our field personnel to be on the lookout for ‘cell phone guns’ at U.S. ports of entry.”

Law enforcement officials in Europe are stunned by the discovery of these deadly decoys — say phone guns are changing the rules of engagement in Europe.

Airport authorities across Europe are implementing systems to X-ray all cell phones.

“We find it very, very alarming,” says Wolfgang Dicke of the German Police union. “It means police will have to draw their weapons whenever a person being checked reaches for their mobile phone.”

What is the real risk to the general population with these sneaky,lethal devices? We are not aware of any techniques to protect ourselves and our children from these so we may feel rather helpless. We also need to be aware of the outlook by law enforcement, that cell phones are potential threats to their ability to carry out their responsibilities.

A few things that we can do, is to be first be aware, give up your cellphone to Law Enforcement when requested to do so and be patient and tolerant with your lengthy security checks at the airports this Thanksgiving and all year round as you and your family travels.