The BC RCMP’s province-wide gun amnesty program turned in 1184 firearms last month.
The program allowed British Columbians to dispose of any unwanted guns – legal or not – ammunition, and other weapons that had not been used in a criminal offence, without any criminal repercussion.
Among them were 543 rifles and 223 shotguns, including 43 guns in Prince George.
Public Safety Minister Mike Morris says it’s pretty simple. Fewer guns mean safer streets.
“60% of the weapons that are used in committing crimes in British Columbia are domestic source weapons,” he says, “so they’re weapons that have been legally obtained and converted to crime use or they’ve been stolen from a legal source. I think this will definitely make a difference.”
About a fifth of the firearms surrendered with handguns, something Morris is particularly happy about.
“Handguns are often times a weapon of choice for a lot of the gangsters and what not so getting 222 handguns off the streets I think is a good thing.”
Residents also handed over holsters, explosives, ammo, and other weapons.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
