The Ontario Provincial Police says it will be working with municipal police forces across the province on a gun amnesty next month.
Anyone in Ontario who wants to voluntarily give up any illegally-owned firearms, weapons, accessories, or ammunition can do so safely. Police would not recommend charges unless the weapon in question was used in a crime.
Police say the amnesty will improve public safety.
"Ontario has seen an increase in break-and-enter incidents where firearms are stolen or targeted by criminals," says OPP Commissioner, Vince Hawkes. "The OPP and our participating police partners are giving people a safe way to dispose of weapons, imitation weapons, and related equipment, accessories, and ammunition to reduce the number of guns in their communities."
Anyone interested can call the OPP or the local police service's non-emergency number to arrange a time for an officer to come and safely pick up the weapons. Gun owners can also register on the OPP website or the Citizen Self Reporting tool.
Police remind the public they should never bring guns or ammunition to a police facility.