Over 50 guns and 20 kg of ammunition were turned in to Chatham-Kent police during last month's Gun Amnesty Program.
Ontario Provincial Police partnered with the Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) and other municipal police services to offer a Gun Amnesty Program during the month of April.
2018 Gun Amnesty Program in Chatham-Kent. (Photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Police Service.)
The program was designed for anyone in Ontario who wanted to voluntarily give up unwanted or illegally-owned firearms, weapons, accessories, or ammunition.
“The Amnesty was a great way for citizens to safely surrender their weapons to enhance public safety," says CKPS Firearms Officer Constable Rob Tobin. "Our goal was ultimately to reduce the number of guns on our streets and in our community.”
As a result of the Gun Amnesty Program held in Chatham-Kent, the following items were surrendered to police:
- 40 non-restricted long guns (rifles/shotguns/pellet rifles)
- five restricted handguns
- two pellet pistols
- four prohibited handguns
- two knives
- And 20kg of assorted ammunition
The police service says no weapon-related charges were laid during the program.
“We would like to thank everyone who participated in the amnesty by voluntarily surrendering their weapons and ammunition. By turning in your weapons for destruction, we can now ensure that they will never fall into the hands of those with criminal intent," says CKPS Police Chief Gary Conn.
CKPS says it will continue to accept unwanted firearms, ammunition, or other weapons. To arrange for an officer to come safely pick up your items, please call 519-436-6653 or email robertt@chatham-kent.ca
The police service says no one should ever deliver guns or ammunition directly to police headquarters.