As part of a public health initiative to provide residents with a safe and secure way of removing unwanted firearms from their homes, the towns of Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, and Weston are partnering to host two “Safer Homes, Safer Communities – Gift Cards for Guns” events in October. Residents of the partnering towns will have the opportunity to safely and securely dispose of unwanted firearms on two dates:
- Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.–noon at the Bedford Department of Public Works (DPW), 314 Great Road, Bedford.
- Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m.–noon at the Weston Department of Public Works (DPW), 190 Boston Post Road Bypass, Weston.
The police departments and Middlesex Sheriff’s Office ask that the following steps be taken by anyone interested in disposing their firearms at the events:
- In accordance with state law, those planning to turn in firearms at the October 5 event should notify the Bedford Police Department at BedfordPolice@police.bedfordma.gov or call 781-275-1212 in advance. Those planning to turn in firearms at the October 26 event should call the Weston Police Department at 781-786-6200 in advance. Individuals turning in firearms at either event will not be asked for identification.
- Please bring firearms unloaded with the safety engaged in a bag, box, or case.
- Leave the unloaded firearm inside the trunk of your vehicle upon arrival at the event you choose to attend.
In exchange for their guns, participants will receive gift cards while supplies last:
- One to three firearms: $100 Visa gift card
- Four or five firearms: $200 Visa gift card
- Six or more firearms or any semiautomatic firearm: $300 Visa gift cards
BB guns/Airsoft guns and ammunition do not qualify for gift cards but can be turned in for disposal. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office will work with the Massachusetts State Police will safely destroy all guns collected at the events.
“We are proud to support our partners in Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln and Weston with this critical public health and public safety effort,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “By providing residents the opportunity to safely and securely dispose of unwanted firearms, we are reducing the chance of accidental discharge, self-harm, and theft. This makes our homes and our communities safer.”