Michigan City Sees Increase In Illegal Gun Seizures

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - A western Michigan city has seen a sharp increase in illegal firearms seizures in recent years.

The Grand Rapids Press reports that Grand Rapids police have seized more than 265 illegal guns so far this year, up from 254 in 2016 and more than double the 127 in 2013.

The department began its One More Gun Off the Street program in 2016 to publicly highlight the effort to recover illegally owned or used guns.

Police say more training and proactive enforcement has led to the increase in recoveries.

Police Chief David Rahinsky says the department emphasizes recovering illegal guns to help reduce violent crime rates.

Many guns are stolen during larcenies of homes, vehicles and businesses. Police often recover them during traffic stops or through witness reports about armed individuals.

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