87 firearms, 5K ammunition rounds collected in gun amnesty program
Residents turned in unwanted firearms without fear of prosecution for illegal possession in November
The month-long gun amnesty program held by Waterloo Regional Police Services in 2017 finished with 87 firearms, 27 pellet guns, and 5,000 rounds of ammunition collected.
Throughout the month of November, people could contact police to pick up firearms — possibly unlicensed or illegal to possess — without fear of prosecution.
Police say they still have 30 more addresses to visit before the program concludes.
"The success of this amnesty program means many unwanted or illegally owned guns and weapons have been taken out of our community, reducing the potential of them falling into the wrong hands," said Supt. Patrick Dietrich in a news release.
In 2015, police collected 68 firearms, 2,000 rounds of ammunition and 33 pellet guns.
Police encourage the public to turn in unwanted weapons or guns at any time by calling the station at 519-570-9777. They will then arrange an appointment to pick up the items for destruction.
The public is asked not to transport the items or deliver them to police facilities themselves.