Antique guns turned in to #GunBuyBackTO

About a week since the launch of the city's gun buyback program, a Toronto Police inspector's tweet showing off some of the guns recovered is raising questions about the type of firearms being turned in. Dilshad Burman with why police say the program is still effective and necessary.

By Dilshad Burman

The city along with Toronto police launched a gun buyback program last week in an effort to curb gun violence in Toronto.

People who have firearms they no longer want to keep are encouraged to turn them in to police in exchange for money. The city is offering $350 for hand guns and $200 for long guns.

Insp. Paul MacIntyre with 41 Division tweeted photos of some of the guns that have been turned in to police over the past 24 hours on Thursday. While many thought the haul was no doubt impressive, it’s likely not for the reasons implied in the tweet.

People couldn’t help but notice that many of the firearms pictured in the tweet were so old, they could be considered desirable antiques.

One person replied “Wow they are really nice collectables!!!” and another asked “Some nice older pieces. Will they be auctioned off?” — but unfortunately for antique enthusiasts, firearms collected through the gun buyback program will be destroyed.

Many others said the guns displayed in the tweet represent the failure of the program — saying these are not the kinds of guns used in criminal activity.

“Old guns found in grandpa’s chest. No gang connected guns as we all knew would happen. Bravo???” said one response, while another said, “Useless program if that is what is being turned in.”

The age of the guns also became the butt of many jokes.

“Who they going to war with? President Lincoln?” said one reply, “Wyatt Earp gave up his guns?” added another and a third asked “Did Dick Turpin bring these antiques in himself??”

While the guns may be old and the tweet attracted some lighthearted ridicule, Insp. MacIntyre replied saying it is still a positive step forward that they are no longer in people’s homes.

“From experience, I can tell you such guns can be stolen & used in crimes. Long guns are often cut down, and fired — or pointed — during crimes. This program helps reduce that risk. Simple,” he tweeted.

During the launch of the program last week, Mayor John Tory reinforced the idea of risk reduction.

“The bottom line is this — one gun surrendered is one less gun that is out there somewhere in our community,” he said.

In 2008, over 2000 guns were turned in to police during a similar program.

The gun buyback program runs till May 17 and police say participants will not face charges for illegally possessing firearms or unsafe storage.

How to participate:

  • Call the police’s non-emergency line and tell them you want to turn over an unwanted gun to police. Contact 416-808-2222 between 7 am.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Do not bring your gun to a police station or any other city of Toronto facility. Wait for a police officer to pick up the firearm from you.
  • When you surrender the firearm, make sure to get a property receipt.
  • Compensation will be sent withing six to eight weeks.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Will you be criminally charged for not having a gun licence or having an unregistered firearm?
A: No, you will not face criminal charges

Q: Will you face criminal charges if you guns aren’t locked up?
A: No, you will not face criminal charges for unsafe storage of a firearm

Q: Does the firearm need to be in working order to qualify?
A: Yes, in order to receive compensation as part of the gun buyback program, the firearm has to be operation. Replicas and air guns do not qualify, but police can remove them from your home if you so choose.

Q: Will you have investigation is the gun was used in a crime?
A: All guns that are turned over to police will be tested. If they are suspected to be used in a crime, a police investigation will be launched.

Click here for more FAQs: #GunBuyBackTO frequently asked questions.

 

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