Summerlanders with unwanted firearms can turn them over to police this month during a province-wide gun amnesty.
The amnesty began on June 1 and continues to June 30.
During this time, residents can dispose of unwanted documented or undocumented firearms, weapons and ammunition that have not been used in a criminal offence.
“We as police officers know full well the effects and impacts of having firearms inside homes, particularly if they are unsecured,” said Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, commanding officer of the RCMP in B.C. “Turning in unwanted firearms will eliminate the risks these weapons pose.”
“This amnesty is a chance to take guns and ammunition out of homes and off our streets, and make our province safer for everyone. It’s an important partnership between police and British Columbians as we work together to minimize needless and avoidable tragedies,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
Cpl. Bruce Haley of the Summerland RCMP detachment said most of the weapons turned in locally are expected to come from those who have guns they no longer wish to use.
“The amnesty protects them so they can lawfully turn them over to police,” he said.
He added that the amnesty does not apply if the firearms have been used in the commission of an offence.
Haley urges those wishing to dispose of firearms to call the RCMP who will then pick up the weapons.
Once the weapons have been picked up, members of the Summerland RCMP detachment will contact the forensic lab in Vancouver. Some of the collectible items may be sent to the lab, while the rest will be destroyed.
The weapons will not be sold once they have been turned in.
“None of them will go back into circulation,” Haley said.
For further information, please visit www.bcgunamnesty.ca.