Eureka Police Department release: 

 

Humboldt County law enforcement officers are increasingly encountering criminals who are illegally armed and carrying loaded firearms. What was once a relatively infrequent occurrence has now become dangerously routine. EPD officers are seizing unprecedented numbers of guns from the hands of hardened felons.

Since 2014, 206 firearms have been reported stolen within the City of Eureka, including 9 this year so far. This figure does not include the likely numerous gun thefts that went unreported for various reasons.
In 2016, EPD officers seized approximately 95 guns as evidence and another approximately 25 were collected as found property or taken for safekeeping. In the first two months of 2017, EPD officers have seized approximately 25 firearms including a fully automatic assault rifle and 4 other assault-type weapons. This is where Project S.A.F.E Eureka aims to help.

Project S.A.F.E. Eureka is a collaborative effort between the Eureka Police Department and our community partners to increase the safety of Eureka’s neighborhoods by enhancing residential security and decreasing the number of unsecured firearms ending up in the hands of criminals. Join us in reducing gun-related violence by doing your part to keep your homes and your guns S.A.F.E.

Photos of seized firearms adorn the walls in EPD Chief Andy Mills’ office

-Gun Security Expo-

On March 18-19, 2017, the Eureka Police Department and its community partners will host a two-day home and gun security expo at the Bayshore Mall highlighting effective products and means people can employ to better safeguard their homes and firearms while lowering their chances of becoming a victim. The emphasis will be on crime prevention, home safety, education, responsible gun ownership and the promotion of gun safes, residential security systems and products. Many products and services will be offered at discounted prices.

Stop by the event for your chance to win a free gift card or one of several raffle prizes. You can also pick up a Project S.A.F.E. Eureka coupon for discounted special-event pricing on select products and services at participating businesses, March 18-19, 2017.
Businesses and community partners who will have booths and displays at the expo include:

• Eureka Police Department
• Eureka Police Explorers Post 104
• I like Eureka / Neighborhood Watch
• Operation Safe Streets
• Humboldt Bay Fire Department
• Pacific Outfitters
• Advanced Security
• RMI Outdoors
• Security Lock and Alarm
• Brant Electric
• Shafer’s Ace Hardware

Additionally, Pierson Building Center (4100 Broadway, Eureka) is offering a store-wide 15% discount on all items (sale and certain net or low margin items excluded) at their store in conjunction with the two-day expo. Present one of the Project S.A.F.E. Eureka coupons (available at the EPD booth) at Pierson’s charge counter for more details and your discount.

Bucksport Sporting Goods (3650 Broadway) is also offering $200.00 off on all gun safes over $1,500.00. Visit Bucksport on March 18-19th and present a Project S.A.F.E Eureka coupon for your discount.
Visit the other participating businesses or come see their booths at the mall on March 18-19th to learn more about their special-event pricing on select products and services.

-Gun Buy-Back Program-

As a separate event in conjunction with Project S.A.F.E. Eureka, the Eureka Police Department and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office will also be holding a Gun Buy-Back program on March 24-25, 2017. Project S.A.F.E. is a collaborative effort to improve neighborhood and residential safety by reducing gun-related violence and the number of superfluous, unsecured firearms within the City of Eureka and the unincorporated areas of the county.

The Gun Buy Back Program will afford local residents the opportunity to voluntarily turn in firearms in exchange for pre-paid gift cards. The identity of all individuals will remain anonymous. No I.D. will be required and no questions will be asked.

Firearms should be transported UNLOADED in the trunk of your car and if possible, store them inside a gun case or enclosed container or box. No walk–ups and no ammunition. Do not bring the firearm with you into the Eureka Police Department’s lobby. The firearm will be removed from your vehicle by EPD personnel. On a case-by-case basis, an officer may be available to respond to meet you for the exchange at an alternate location within the City of Eureka.