The Barbados Police Service destroyed 103 firearms earlier Sunday.
Public relations officer, Inspector Rodney Inniss, said the firearms were taken as a result of court cases, found during operations and from the families of deceased firearm owners.
He urged Barbadians who had family members who owned firearms and passed away, to contact the police to come and collect the weapons. He also praised Barbadian firearm owners for taking greater care in securing their property as the prevalence of firearms being stolen had decreased.
“I cannot say at this point exactly how many firearms have been reported stolen but it does not happen as often as it used to which means firearm owners are adhering to the advice of the police in our crime prevention strategies where we inform firearm owners and potential owners that it is their responsibility to secure their firearms.
“Many people are taking control of their firearms because they are aware the likelihood of their being granted the use of another firearm by the police is diminished if you are not proven to be a responsible owner,” he said.
Earlier in a release, Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce urged Barbadians to cooperate with police to rid the streets of illegal guns. He said the regular patrols, as well as the Anti Guns and Gangs Unit, The Tactical Response Unit and The Major Crime Unit were working “tirelessly to safely and respectfully secure illegal firearms”.
He said in the period September 2021 through February 2022, the members of the Antigun and Gangs Unit seized 19 firearms and 262 rounds of ammunition in the Bridgetown and Southern Divisions.
“These weapons were seized by way of protracted intelligence led investigations, proactive police operations and execution of search warrants. Fourteen persons have been formally charged with firearm related offences resulting from those firearms and ammunition showcased above,” Boyce added.
The Barbados Police Service also recovers firearms with the assistance of anonymous tips made through Crime Stoppers Hotline tip line – 1 800 8477 (TIPS). Anyone who has information regarding gun recoveries should call the Police Hotline at 429-8787. Additionally, information can be communicated to any Police Station. (CA/PR)
