Woodstock Police Department offers to provide free gun storage locks to increase awareness of gun safety

WOODSTOCK — On Sept. 5, the Woodstock Police Department announced that NBA Hall of Fame inductee Shaquille O’Neal, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and police departments across the U.S. are teaming up to raise awareness for gun owners everywhere regarding practicing firearms security and safety at home and all other locations.

According to the latest available data, most Americans, including gun owners, agree that firearm security by people who lawfully own guns is reasonable and necessary. Law enforcement officials are always willing to engage with community members to discuss firearm safety and safety at home so that when individuals store guns, they always store them securely in all locations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states that firearm injuries were the leading cause of death among children and teens between the ages of 1-19 years old. Additionally, the Pew Research Center says that half of all suicides (55%) were committed with firearms.

Harvard’s School of Public Health also announced that access to firearms is associated with increased suicide risk. To raise awareness for gun safety, O’Neal and members of law enforcement participated in a public service announcement to remind gun owners to store their firearms responsibly.

“Each year, approximately 200,000 guns are stolen in private theft incidents. The leading source for stolen guns is vehicles, and the rate of these thefts is triple what it was a decade ago. That’s why this PSA is a ‘slam dunk’ for families across America. Take it from Shaq, ‘You may have a right to carry, but you have a duty to secure your firearms,’” stated a representative for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Every member of the Woodstock Police Department is duty-bound to protect the rights of every citizen. They state that they also want every community member to remain as safe as possible and encourage everyone to responsibly secure their property, including their firearms.

To assist with this effort, the Woodstock Police Department is offering to provide residents with a free gun storage lock (while supplies last) for any citizen who requests one.
Those with questions can contact the Woodstock Police Department’s Administration Office.