Boston Mayor, Police Sending Letter To All Licensed Gun Owners
BOSTON (CBS) -- If you legally own a firearm in Boston, expect to be hearing from the mayor and police commissioner soon.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Police Commissioner William Evans announced Wednesday that they're taking new measures to try and reduce gun violence.
The first part of the plan calls for sending a letter to every licensed gun owner in the city, asking for help to prevent shootings.
The letter will give gun owners information about reporting a private gun sale, loss or theft. It also advertises a free gun lock, a program that offers a $200 gift card if a firearm owner turns in their weapon and advice on gun storage.
"As a legal gun owner, it is important that you also do your part to ensure that guns are stored safely, and kept out of the hands of children and criminals," the letter states.
Deadly shootings have dropped 30 percent compared to this time last year, but the city has seen more non-fatal shootings, police say.
"We must think creatively in order to reduce the amount of illegal guns and violence on our streets," Walsh said.
The city will also reach out to gun vendors about preventing illegal firearm sales.