Crime & Safety

South Lake Minnetonka P.D. Launches 'Operation Lock and Unload'

"Safe storage of firearms is not only the law in Minnesota, but it is a matter of public safety." – Chief Bryan Litsey

From the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department:

The safe storage of firearms is the responsibility of all gun owners. Not only is it the law in Minnesota, but it is a matter of public safety. Educating gun owners on the need to take such precautions has taken on a renewed sense of purpose with the recent surge in firearm sales across the state.  

There are also people purchasing firearms for the first time that are seemingly unaware of the obligations that come with gun ownership. This includes making sure firearms are not accessible to children, criminals and emotionally distraught individuals. 

To bring more awareness to this public safety issue, the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department has undertaken an initiative entitled, Operation Lock and UnloadThe focus is on the safe storage of firearms, whether at home or some other location.  

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Simply hiding a gun without taking additional precautions is not a safe practice. Proper safeguards include unloading the firearm, using a trigger or cable lock and placing the gun in a lock box or safe. Ammunition should be securely stored away from the firearm.  

To learn more about firearm safety go to Project ChildSafe at www.projectchildsafe.org

Find out what's happening in Lake Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department offers free cable locks that will secure most types of guns.  Please join this effort to prevent a needless tragedy from occurring due to the negligent storage of a firearm.  


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