Regional police launch firearms amnesty program for November

WITH NOVEMBER’S ARRIVAL, WATERLOO Regional Police have again launched their firearms and prohibited weapons amnesty.

The program, which runs through to November 30, is an opportunity for community members to turn over unwanted or unlicensed firearms and other weapons that are potentially illegal to possess or that pose a safety risk in their homes or community, say police. The program is an opportunity to properly dispose of these items without fear of prosecution for illegal possession.

The amnesty period is being repeated due to the success of similar programs held in 2014 and 2015. During these two program, officers collected a total of 301 firearms (shotguns, rifles, handguns), 117 pellet/BB/ imitation guns, 32 other weapons, 14,600 rounds of ammunition and six pieces of military ordnance

“Having illegally owned firearms and prohibited weapons taken off the street is a benefit to our entire community,” said Supt. Patrick Dietrich. “Many weapons we recover that are related to a crime are those that have been stolen from residences. They end up in the hands of people who use them to commit a criminal activity. Turning in these unwanted weapons will reduce this risk and, in turn, make our streets safer.”

Anyone wishing to submit items for destruction is asked to call (519) 570-9777 to make arrangements for an officer to pick up the items. Police ask that residents do not transport these items or deliver them to police facilities.