Hancock New Hampshire Police Department

FREE GUN LOCKS

FIREARMS SAFETY LOCKS
By Hancock Sergeant Mark S. Wattendorf, D.C.J.

The Hancock Police Department has cable firearms safety locks, which are available for free at the police station to Hancock town residents.

Each year hundreds of young children are injured or killed by the accidental or negligent use of a firearm. By using the locks, the goal here is to improve home safety, deter theft of and the improper or accidental use of a firearm and to promote compliance with New Hampshire RSA 650-C:1 entitled "Negligent storage of Firearms". The RSA states in part that, " any person who stores or leaves on premises under that person's control a loaded firearm, and who knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child's parent or guardian, and the firearm is used in a reckless or threatening manner, or the firearm is used during the commission of a crime, or the firearm is negligently or recklessly discharged can be charged with a violation of the law."

It is important that the owner of a firearm seek instructions from a certified instructor and keep firearms secured from unauthorized use. Teach children about the potential dangers of firearms. Devices such as locks, boxes and safes can help secure firearms.

For more information on safe storage, call the NH firearm safety coalition 603.653.1135.

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