More guns seized, stolen in Regina in July

Regina police have released gun statistics for July, showing an increase in violent incidents and seizures from the previous year.

There were 14 violent incidents with a gun in July, compared to 12 in 2016. There were 74 violent occurrences reported from January to July 2017, up 19 per cent from 62 seen during the same time period last year.

There were also nine gun-related incidents without injuries last month.

While police seized more guns in July compared to last year — 25 in 2017 and 14 in 2016 — it is below the five-year average of 33 for the month.

As of July, 197 guns have been seized.

While three guns were reported stolen in July, an increase from one during the month last year, the number for the year is right in line with last year’s number for the same time frame of 32.

More guns are being stolen with the five-year average being 21.

Police said, due to the growing trend, a gun amnesty program was held in February. A total of 157 guns were removed from the community as a result of the program.