Need a Gun Lock? Get One for Free at Raleigh Police Station

To help gun owners properly secure their firearms, the Raleigh Police Department is giving out free gun locks. You can get a lock at any RPD district station during business hours Monday through Friday. RPD is also giving out gun locks at its Raleigh Hoop Nights.

"You don't even need to be a Raleigh resident to get a free gun lock," says Lt. John Moylett. "We want to ensure that gun owners are properly securing their firearms and this is one way to do that."

Raleigh Police are sharing some tips about gun safety:

• Talk to your household about gun safety. Explain that what is seen on TV and movies is not always accurate. Guns are a right of every citizen but it's a right that needs to be taken seriously.
• Gun locks are great, but they are not the only way to secure your firearm. You can keep the magazine/ammunition separate from the firearm and ensure the chamber is empty (rack the slide back). This way if a member of your household who isn't supposed to handle the firearm finds it, there will be no danger of an accidental discharge.
• You can also purchase a gun safe or lock box as a secondary safety measure. Just be sure to hide the key in a safe location.
• PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR GUN IN YOUR CAR! Criminals are specifically looking for firearms left in vehicles. These stolen weapons are then used in serious crimes. If you travel with your firearm, consider installing a gun safe in the vehicle, use a lock box, or properly keep it on your person.

RPD is partnering with Project Safe Child and N.C. SAFE to distribute gun locks.