The guns keep pouring in for Halifax Regional Police’s Pixels for Pistols program.
Police say for week two of the gun amnesty program, 108 guns were turned in — seven more than the first week — including 82 long guns and 26 handguns. As well, more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition were collected.
That brings the total to 209 firearms – 161 long guns and 48 handguns – and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition collected since the program launched at the beginning of the month.
“I think the response we’ve had in the last two weeks has been a little unexpected, but we’re quite happy to busy,” said police spokesman Const. Brian Palmeter.
The Pixels for Pistols program, which ends Nov. 30, allows citizens to turn in a functional firearm in exchange for a new digital camera and a gift certificate from Henry’s School of Imaging.
Police said after week one, the guns and ammunition collected had already doubled the entire haul from the previous month-long program in 2006.
“We’ve had to bring in extra resources to handle the call volume that we had,” Palmeter said. “So in that regard, we expect week three to be similar to week one and two.”
Non-functional firearms and ammunition are good for a gift card alone, and every firearm is checked to ensure it has not been used in a crime.
To turn in your gun or ammunition, call 490-6977 or e-mail gunamnesty@halifax.ca to arrange to have the items picked up. Weapons can’t be brought to a police facility.
