Looking to unload your gun? OPP will take it off your hands in April

Anyone looking to unload their firearms can hand them over to provincial police next month.

The OPP will be accepting voluntarily surrendered, illegally-owned guns, weapons and accessories or ammunition during the month of April.

"Ontario has seen an increase in break-and-enter incidents where firearms are stolen or targeted by criminals," wrote Commissioner Vince Hawks in a media release. "The OPP and our participating police partners are giving people a safe way to dispose of weapons, imitation weapons and related equipment, accessories and ammunition to reduce the number of guns in their communities."

No amnesty for guns used in a crime

During the amnesty, police will not call for any weapons-related charges that would otherwise apply to people turning in the guns no amnesty will be offered to those who have a gun used to commit a crime, and no anonymous submissions will be allowed.

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Police warn gun owners not to bring their firearms or ammunition directly to a police facility. Instead, people interested in surrendering their weapons are asked to call the OPP non-emergency number to arrange for officers to retrieve the weapon or to notify police online.

Police in St. Thomas, Ont., are also taking part in the gun amnesty.