Firearms Amnesty launched in Hamilton today

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Hamilton police have seized 132 firearms from criminals since January, but people are still being shot in the city. So far this year there have been at least a dozen shootings, killing two people. In another attempt to get weapons off the street, Hamilton Police launched its third firearms amnesty program today. The Chief of Police says if even just one gun is kept out of the hands of criminals, it’s worth it.

Yet another 2 shootings this past weekend. A 15 year old used a modified flare gun, injuring another teen.

“We’ve all seen an unacceptable spike in the use of weapons in our streets this past summer” says Police Board Chair Lloyd Ferguson. “So it’s critical we use every tool in our toolbox.”

One tool? A firearms amnesty program. Police are asking people who have guns they don’t want to call police and they will pick them up.

“This is not the only solution to the issue to gun violence and gunplay in our community but it is certainly one thing that we can do to get the guns out of the community” says Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

There have been two firearms amnesty programs run by Hamilton Police. Once in 2006 when 1200 guns were collected. Last year 380 guns were surrendered. Police say 2 of them were were investigated for possible connections to crime. They say criminals break in to homes and steal guns.

Ward 3 Councillor Matthew Green says the shooting that happened on Main Street in May made him push police to do more. “I’m not under the illusion that criminals are one day going to wake up and turn their guns in. But their parents might, their siblings might, their spouse might.”

Hamilton Police Chief Glen DeCaire also promises more uniformed officers on the street. “We still know that firearms are travelling across the Canada/ US. border , we know firearms are trafficked between cities, and we know firearms are often stolen thru stores or home entries.”

The gun amnesty was launched today, and will continue until November 2nd.