The Prince George RCMP is reminding residents on how to safely sell firearms.
According to PG RCMP Constable Jennifer Cooper, selling guns online is a particularly risky but popular avenue gun owners often take.
“Selling firearms online is really popular and we just want to make sure people are aware of the fact that it might be a little bit more of a high-risk sale than selling off your kid’s used bikes,” she explained.
Firearms are a hot commodity for those involved in criminal activity, according to Cooper, and she says it puts gun owners at a high risk of theft.
She advises avoiding providing a home address to the buyer and using a licensed firearms retailer who can sell firearms by consignment.
Additionally, gun owners are being warned to avoid letting the buyer know when they will be leaving the house, as it provides them with a timeframe as to when the home will be empty.
Sellers should also check the buyer’s PAL information with the Canadian Firearms Program by calling 1-800-731- 4000 to make sure it is valid.
“What we want firearms owners to remember is that the more people use these electronic services, the more information we inadvertently give away. The more people who know you have firearms, the higher the chance you will be at risk for having them stolen,” states Cooper.
There are also local businesses that are willing to assist firearms owners with the sales of their guns, providing services such as consignment or online brokerage.
While both of these options require the seller to pay a fee, it does provide a way to keep the firearm sale far away from a home.
Cooper also advises residents to avoid advertising the fact that they enjoy guns or firearms with decals or stickers on vehicles, and remaining cautious when exiting or entering a gun range or tactical store.
She also reminds residents that it is unlawful to store firearms in a vehicle, and transporting guns in a vehicle, boar or aircraft must be done so in accordance with the Firearms Act and Regulations.
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