The following is a release from the BC RCMP Communications Services regarding the BC Gun Amnesty Program being run from October 1-31, 2016. If you live in Saanich, and wish to participate in the Gun Amnesty program, call our non-emergency line at 250-475-4321. Please DO NOT drop off items at the Police Department.
A/Sgt. Jereme Leslie
Released by:
BC RCMP Communication Services
British Columbians can turn over unwanted and unauthorized firearms, ammunition and weapons to police agencies across the province during the Gun Amnesty from October 1-31, 2016.
The Gun Amnesty will help remove firearms from the community, eliminating the risk of them falling into the hands of criminals or being part of a tragic and unfortunate circumstance. Police agencies in BC are encouraging the public to report any information regarding the illegal use of firearms.
For the entire month of October, people who want to surrender ammunition or weapons, including imitations firearms and replicas, can contact their local police who will visit their residence to pick up the firearms. The public should not bring the firearms, ammunitions or weapons to the police themselves.
“Many people inherit firearms or keep them as souvenirs without realizing the risk these and all weapons pose in the wrong hands,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Morris. “The upcoming Gun Amnesty is an important part of the work we are doing with police agencies throughout the province to stop guns and gangs in BC.”
The amnesty will provide the public a safe way to dispose of unwanted, any firearm regardless of classification, ammunition and weapons that have not been used in a criminal offence, without facing weapons-related Criminal Code charges.
This year’s initiative is endorsed by the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and will be led by RCMP “E” Division, supported by all the municipal police departments in British Columbia.
“The BC Association of Chiefs of Police strongly encourages the public to participate in this year’s Gun Amnesty,” says Chief Constable Les Sylven, BC Association of Chiefs of Police, “When people turn over unwanted firearms to their local police, they are permanently eliminating the danger that these weapons pose.”
“With 60% of weapons being sourced domestically, this Gun Amnesty allows all of the police agencies in British Columbia to work with the public to ensure all our neighbourhoods are safe,” said the BC RCMP Commanding Officer Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens. “Too many times we’ve seen a tragic accident or criminal activity with blatant disregard for the safety of others. I encourage you to relinquish your unwanted weapons to police to prevent this from happening.”
Similar firearms amnesties were held in 2006 and 2013 which yielded more than 5,000 firearms – including 900 handguns and two machine guns – plus approximately 127,500 rounds of ammunition. Among hundreds of other weapons surrendered were a rocket launcher, a military missile, historical rifles and antique bayonets.
If you wish to participate in the Gun Amnesty program, please call the non-emergency line of the police department in your community. You may also visit the website www.bc-gunamnesty.ca for a link to all the police departments in British Columbia.