The OPP and municipal law enforcement partners recovered hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition during a month-long Gun Amnesty.
During April, police:
– received 592 gun amnesty calls for service, 14.5 per cent through the online reporting option on the OPP website;
– recovered 689 items through appointments made with OPP officers, including 267 rifles, 156 shotguns, 113 prohibited firearms, and 62 other guns such as replica and vintage weapons; and
– collected 12,615 pieces of ammunition.
“I’m so proud of the collaboration demonstrated by members of the OPP and all of our municipal partners during the gun amnesty,” stated OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes.
“The results clearly show the public was engaged and supported our combined efforts to reduce the number of firearms, accessories and ammunition in their communities, which then enhances public and police officer safety.”
All Ontario police services participated in the month-long initiative. During that time, a total of 1,503 guns were voluntarily surrendered in non-OPP jurisdictions. In Wellington County a total of 34 guns, including handguns, rifles and shotguns were turned in. Officers also collected pellet guns, air rifles and a large quantity of ammunition.
Though most of the firearms surrendered to police will be destroyed, a number of guns will be retained for historical, educational or training purposes.
