"Safely surrender weapons and accessories by appointment only"

Hamilton Police Service in collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is holding a Gun Amnesty during the month of April.

The Gun Amnesty is for any Hamilton resident who wishes to voluntarily surrender unwanted or illegally-owned firearms, weapons, accessories or ammunition.

The program provides citizens with a safe way to surrender weapons and enhance public safety. During the amnesty, police will not recommend weapons-related Criminal Code charges that might otherwise apply to people who are turning in these items. This does not apply to weapons that have been used in the commission of a crime.

This is the fourth amnesty held by Hamilton Police Service. Amnesties held in 2006, 2014 and 2015 saw 1,726 firearms turned over to police as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Interested gun owners are strongly urged to call Hamilton Police at 905-546-4940 to arrange for officers to attend and safely retrieve the weapons. Citizens are NOT to bring these items to a police facility.

Anyone with information related to illegal firearms can also contact 905-546-4940 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by visiting www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

QUOTE – "Our goal is to get guns off our streets and away from the hands of criminals. The amnesty offers people a safe way to dispose of firearms, weaponry and ammunition. Ultimately, reducing the number of guns in Hamilton will result in a safer and more secure city."

Hamilton Police Chief Eric Girt

 

Media Contact:

Jackie Penman, APR

Hamilton Police Service

Corporate Communicator

[email protected]

P: 905.546.4764

C: 905.719.1637

Authority:

Constable Lorraine Edwards#80 - Media Relations Officer