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DARIEN, Conn. – Darien residents who own unwanted firearms can dispose of them at the Darien Police Department. Darien police also are offering free gun locks to anyone who requests one.
“In light of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, we thought it best to publicize the police department’s willingness to help those looking to get rid of unwanted firearms,” said Chief Duane Lovello said in a written statement.
“Thankfully, Darien is not plagued with stolen guns being used to commit crimes, so the “no questions asked gun buybacks” used in bigger cities probably wouldn’t result in illegal guns being turned in to us. We do know, however, that people may have guns they no longer want and we thought it best to let people know there is a way to safely dispose of them.”
If you have an unwanted gun, you can drop it off at police headquarters or call the Detective Bureau at 203-662-5330 and make arrangements to have it picked up by an officer. The officer will give the owner a receipt with a case number that documents that the gun was relinquished. There is no charge for this service.
Police are advising residents that Connecticut law requires a person dropping off a gun to have a valid Connecticut permit to carry pistols and revolvers in order to transport a handgun in a vehicle. If you don’t have a permit or are unsure, contact the Detective Bureau.
If you do drop off a gun, you must leave it in your car, enter the lobby and inform an officer that you have a gun you want to dispose of. An officer will retrieve it from your car.
The free gun locks are available at the police department 24 hours a day. Police remind residents that failing to properly secure a firearm where a minor could access it is a violation of state law and could result in an arrest.
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