The Victorville Police Department is distributing free gun locks to encourage safe handling and storage practices of firearms. The locks may be used on various types of firearms including rifles, revolvers, shotguns, and semi-
automatic handguns. The distribution project to promote firearm safety is supported by a grant from the United States Department of Justice.
To receive your free gun locks, residents can simply stop by the Victorville Police Station located at 14200 Amargosa Road in the city of Victorville, and pick them up. If you have any questions please contact Crime Prevention Officer, Stella Hodson (760) 241-1841.
A firearm safety device or gun lock is not a substitute for careful gun handling and storage. Locks can discourage unauthorized access to a firearm by young children, but they can be cut or defeated by a determined individual. Locks cannot prevent the intentional misuse of the firearm. All adults have a responsibility to protect children from gun-related deaths and injuries. You can make guns safe in your home, but you cannot always control the actions of your children, other children or other adults in other homes or places. The most important act of prevention is to talk to your children about firearm safety.
If you own a gun:
• Unload your guns and lock them away.
• Lock and store ammunition separately.
• Hide keys, combinations, or other access information.
Remember: Safety and storage devices are only as secure as the precautions you take to protect the key or combination to the lock.
All parents should:
• Talk with their children about guns. Remember that actions speak louder than words. Children learn most by observing the adults around them. By practicing safe conduct you will also be teaching safe conduct.
• Teach their children that if they find a gun, STOP. Don’t touch the gun. Don’t let anyone else touch the gun. Leave the area and tell an adult at once. If they can’t find an adult, dial 9-1-1 and tell the police.
• Even if the gun looks like a toy, don’t touch it. Leave the area if other children are playing with a gun and tell a responsible adult.
Weapons not properly secured and are used in a crime can lead to criminal prosecution.
The Victorville Police Department is distributing these locks in conjunction with Project ChildSafe. You can learn more about Project ChildSafe at: https://www.ProjectChildSafe.org/
Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Press Release
