Prince William Police Offer Tips For Responsible Gun Ownership

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — As part of national Crime Prevention Month, the Prince William County Police Department is reminding owners of firearms to help prevent crimes by safely storing them.

"Responsible gun owners use firearms safely and understand that firearm safety should be a priority to better protect our children, prevent avoidable injury, and keep our communities
safe," the police department said Wednesday in a news release.

The department offered tips to help firearms owners safely store them:

• Store unloaded firearms in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case.
• Thoroughly check firearms to confirm that they are unloaded when you remove them from storage.
• Store ammunition in a locked location separate from firearms.
• Use gun locking devices that render firearms inoperable and can be used in addition to locked storage.
• If firearms are disassembled, parts should be securely stored in separate locations.

Prince William County police also emphasized that firearms should not be left unsecured in parked vehicles whether it is for a few minutes or overnight and regardless of whether your vehicle is parked in a driveway, garage, or in front of a residence.

"Locking the doors on your vehicle does not constitute secure firearm storage. Bring the firearm inside and secure it the proper way," the department said.

During National Crime Prevention Month, the county police department is seeking to bring awareness to county residents of how to work with police to avoid becoming the victim of a crime. For more information, call the department's Crime Prevention Unit at 703-792-7270.