Melrose Police “Retire” 19 Guns at Buyback Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 12, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Melrose Police “Retire” 19 Guns at Buyback Event

Unwanted, Unneeded, and Unable to Harm Anyone

Melrose Police Chief Michael L. Lyle announces the success of Saturday’s gun buyback program, which resulted in 19 firearms being turned over to police for destruction.

The nine rifles and 10 handguns were taken back, no questions asked, and the former owners were given up to $50 in giftcards to local restaurants.

“Anytime we can take firearms off the street is a win for the citizens of Melrose,” Chief Lyle said. “Today, there are 19 fewer guns in Melrose. That’s 19 guns that will never fall into the wrong hands and will never be used to hurt someone.”

The buyback was put on in partnership with the Office of Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian. The sheriff’s office took possession of the firearms for disposal.

According to Chief Lyle, there are many reasons for someone to turn over a firearm at a buyback program. Widows and widowers of gun owners often have no interest in owning a firearm. Parents with young children may no longer wish to have guns in the house. Parents or family members sometimes find illegal guns and wish to do the right thing. The buyback program rewards these people for doing the right thing.

“A widow might have never held a gun in her life. It might scare her, and she might not know how to keep it safe, locked, or out of the wrong hands,” Chief Lyle said. “In that regard, the buyback is also a ‘gun retirement program,’ and it gives people one less thing to worry about.”

Melrose police also took in several boxes of ammunition and even a few toy guns. The items will be reviewed and then sent for disposal.

Funding for the buyback was provided by Melrose Police Department drug seizure proceeds.

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