Positive outcome for gun amnesty program in Regina

Police are calling the gun amnesty program in the Queen City a success.

Deputy Police Chief Dean Rae told 980 CJME’s Gormley Show the week has been “extremely successful” with 67 calls for service and 83 firearms turned in.

Rae said an increase of crystal meth in Regina has lead to a rise in the amount of gun crimes taking place.

“We’ve seen a change now the behavior of those people that are using,” Rae said. “They’re very unpredictable and we believe this is one of the primary drivers in what we’re seeing in the gun-related crime that’s associated with those that are using crystal meth.”

While he was unable to definitively say where the firearms were coming from, he said police believe most guns are coming within the province and not much from elsewhere in the country.

He said many people do not report their guns have been stolen because they are worried they could be potential for prosecution for not properly storing items.

“I know we’ve had a few instances in the city where individuals have actually moved into a house and during the move-in process and settling they’ve found firearms that were left by the previous owner or tenant and they’ve dropped those off with us as well.”

He said there is an option for antique guns to be donated to museums but any that come to the police get destroyed.

The gun amnesty runs until Feb. 15.