Gun Owners — Safely Secure Your Weapons: PWC Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Police say they believe many cases of guns being shot at homes or even into area residences is the result of firearms stolen either from vehicles or homes.

As such, they have a stern message for gun owners — keep your guns safely secured at all times.

Herewith, Prince William County Police have provided some tips and reminders:

Safe Storage: Safely storing firearms helps prevent firearms from being stolen and used illegally.

• Keep firearms secured in approved gun lockers or safes. A lock box, trigger guard or a gun padlock
• may be used.
• Firearms should be stored in a separate place from the ammunition.
• Do not leave firearms in vehicles, even those that are locked.

• Treat all firearms as if they are LOADED.
• Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until your sights are on the target and
• you have made the conscious decision to shoot.
• Know your target and what is beyond it.

Reckless Handling of Firearms

(Virginia Code 18.2-56.1): It shall be unlawful for any person to handle recklessly any firearm so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Firearms Control Ordinance (Prince William County)

Sec. 31-23: One hundred- yard safety zone. It shall be unlawful to shoot or hunt within one hundred (100)
yards of any regularly occupied structure without advance permission of the owner occupant.

Sec.31-24: Proscription against use of firearm - On or near public rights-of-way. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this article, it shall be unlawful for any person willfully to discharge a firearm on or within one
hundred (100) yards of any public right-of-way, or any public street or highway.

Sec.31-25: Same- On public inland waterways. It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot a rifle or pistol at
wild birds or animals on or over public inland waterways within the county, or to carry a loaded rifle or pistol
in any boat or other floating device on such waterways.

Sec.31.26: It shall be unlawful for any person willfully to discharge a firearm within any area designated
in this article as prohibited area, subject to the exceptions provided.

This ordinance is subject to change. Amendments and additional areas will be added at the direction of the
Board of County Supervisors.

What to do with Unwanted Firearms and Ammunition:

If you have a firearm or ammunition you wish to discard, you may bring it to the Police Department at one
of the district stations. You may also call the Police Non-Emergency number at 703-792-6500 to have an
officer respond and pick up the firearm or ammunition.

Eastern District Station: 15948 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Western District Station: 8900 Freedom Center Blvd., Manassas, VA 20110

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