RIDLEY-THOMAS APPLAUDS SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT'S 'GIFTS FOR GUNS' EFFORT

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2009                                                                                                                                  Contact:   James Bolden 213-200-5314

 

SUPERVISOR RIDLEY-THOMAS APPLAUDS SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT’S ‘GIFTS FOR GUNS’ EFFORT 

Operation collected 484 weapons in Compton and 300 in Lennox

 

 

LOS ANGELES – Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas today hailed the Sheriff’s Department’s recent successful ‘Gifts for Guns’ collection of over 784 weapons in the communities of Compton and Lennox.

 

"The community response to getting guns off the streets has been phenomenal and has exceeded expectations," said Supervisor Ridley-Thomas, who last year partnered with the Sheriff’s Department for Gift for Guns’ programs in Lennox and Compton.

 

As part of this year’s operation, deputies collected 484 weapons in Compton and 300 in the Athens area of Lennox.  When he took office nearly one year ago, the program was one of the Supervisor’s first public safety initiatives aimed at making communities of the Second District safer for residents.

 

The voluntary gun surrender program provides a unique opportunity for area residents to safely surrender any firearm – completely anonymously and without any questions asked – to Sheriff’s personnel in exchange for a holiday gift card ranging from $100 to $200 redeemable at Ralphs, Target or Food 4 Less.

 

The Gifts for Guns program is also a reminder of the many lives that are lost each year as a result of the illegal use of firearms to celebrate the new year. 

 

“I have taken a personal stand, alongside the Sheriff’s Department, to keep our communities safe; our streets free of crime; and our schools a place where safety is not questioned and learning can take place. I personally encourage residents to be responsible and not fire guns into the air at anytime, especially New Year's Eve."

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