Terrace RCMP say 18 firearms were handed in during the October gun amnesty month.

Constable Angela Rabut says this year’s total is on the higher side compared to other years.

Most of those were restricted shotguns and handguns that people had acquired through various circumstances.

The majority of them came in during the last week of the amnesty, said Rabut.

She says it’s an important event to ensure unwanted firearms are taken off the street.

“Better to have the police come to pick it up than to have it stolen from your place and used for a crime,” said Rabut.

“There’s no rhyme or reason for what we get.”

Rabut says a modified weapon handed in got the attention of officers.

It was a Just Right Carbine rifle, 40 calibre with a pistol grip, laser sight, scope and flashlight mounted on the gun, said Rabut, adding that it was not used for hunting but was probably designed for protection against bears.

Rabut says the public is still encouraged to call the detachment if you’re still looking to get rid of a firearm.

She says it’s important to arrange a pickup time and not drop it off at the detachment.

Meanwhile in the province, 1,184 guns were handed in during October. The number included 543 rifles, 223 shotguns and 222 handguns.