Gun Locks

SOUTHERN PITT — Police Departments in Ayden, Grifton and Winterville are distributing free gun locks to local citizens to help raise awareness about safe and responsible firearm ownership.

The locks were donated by the Project Childsafe organization and are being distributed to citizens on a first come, first serve basis at most local law enforcement agencies.

Project Childsafe is a nationwide firearm safety program developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Project Childsafe plans to distribute 20 million firearm safety kits  to raise awareness about safe and responsible firearm ownership and storage.

The safety kits include a cable-style gun lock and a safety brochure that discusses safe handling and proper storage procedures.

The response to the gun locks has been a positive one so far. Ayden Police Chief Bennie Benson plans to give most of their locks out at special events such as the annual Safe Night Out, the Collard Festival and the Halloween Carnival but also says locks will be available upon request as well.

In Grifton, Chief Warren Morrisette said he was pleased with the response to the locks as well and hopes every citizen will take advantage of the opportunity to keep firearms safe and out of harm’s way for children. Morrisette also said the locks would be given out on a first come, first serve basis but that the number would be limited to ensure all citizens of Grifton had the opportunity to receive a gun lock.

“Though there is really no set limit to how many locks a family may get, we do ask that they are reasonable in their request so that other families may benefit from this free give away,” Morrisette said.

The Winterville Police Department plans to give away 700 gun locks to local residents, according to Lt. Thil Hurley.

Hurley said the locks will fit almost all types of handguns, shotguns and rifles and will be available at the police department throughout the year. The Winterville Community Police Association already distributed some of the free locks to citizens at the Winter Village Shopping center on March 5.

Winterville Police Chief Billy Wilkes said there were almost 4,000 deaths annually from firearms with over ten percent involving kids 15 and under.

“We’re thrilled to be able to provide these gun locks to our citizens as a sure method of preventing accidents and injuries to our kids,” said Chief Wilkes. “Our goal is to prevent any child or unauthorized person from accessing a firearm.”

Anyone who has guns in the house and needs assistance in learning how to apply the lock, contact your local police department. These types of locks may not help in all cases but there may be alternatives that can help make your guns a little safer.

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