Halifax trades guns for cameras

Halifax Regional Police have been collecting more guns than they expected in an amnesty program that began Monday.

As of Thursday, people had turned in 48 rifles and shotguns, 11 handguns, and a lot ammunition, Const. Don Jenkins said.

In return, each person who has dropped off a working gun has received a digital camera, courtesy of Henry's, a national camera and photography business. Broken guns or ammunition can be traded for a gift card worth about $80.

The amnesty program, known as Pixels for Pistols, was announced Oct. 30, and Jenkins said it has been more successful than anticipated.

"We've come across a number of standard firearms that have typically been granddad's shotgun that's been left downstairs in crawl spaces for 50, 60, 80-plus years," Jenkins said.

There was even a 120-year-old Derringer-style pistol turned in — so tiny it could easily be hidden in a sleeve or a pocket.

"There was great concern because of their easy conceal-ability, which made them so much more lethal, because once again, they could be easily concealed, transported and, sadly, used for a criminal purpose," Jenkins said of the small pistol. 

Every gun is being checked to make sure it wasn't used in any crime, Jenkins said, and, unless it has some very special historical significance, every gun collected will be destroyed.

In the Halifax area, anyone who is interested in turning in a gun must contact the police and arrange for the firearm to be picked up. Guns cannot be brought to a police station or to a Henry's store. The program runs until Nov. 30.

When the Toronto Police Service ran a similar program in 2008, the city collected 1,900 guns and 60,000 rounds of ammunition.