The Regina Police Service has a reminder – especially now, during hunting season – to all gun owners to ensure that firearms and ammunition are properly stored, handled and secured, both in transport and at home.
The regulations pertaining to the storage, display, handling and transportation of firearms by individuals can be found here: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-209/page-1.html#docCont
Essentially, these regulations call for individuals to ensure that non-restricted firearms are unloaded and locked up to prevent accidents or thefts of the firearms themselves.
Unfortunately, improper handling, storage and transportation occurs, perhaps because the owner is in a hurry or becomes complacent in following the laws around firearms. From January 1, 2015 to November 5, 2015, in Regina, there have been three residential Break and Enters where firearms were stolen and seven incidents of Theft-From-Auto where firearms were stolen (five of these were in October). Those stolen firearms are often used in the commission of other offences including Robbery, Assault with a Weapon and drug-trafficking-related offences.
The Regina Police Service encourages all gun owners to review their storage, handling and transportation practices when it comes to firearms and ammunition. A person found to be transporting or storing an unrestricted firearm improperly can face criminal charges, including 86(1) Careless Use of Firearm. Now, more than ever, it is important to make sure firearms are handled, stored and transported in accordance with the laws for the safety and security of all people in our community. The Regina Police Service thanks the public for their assistance in this matter.
