Friday, June 19, 2009

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Cape Cod police start 'Guns for Groceries' program

BARNSTABLE, Mass. -- Cape Cod law enforcement agencies have launched a nutritious way to get unwanted guns off the streets.

Local police departments in conjunction with the sheriff's department and the district attorney's office on Thursday started a "Guns for Groceries" program that gives residents a $50 gift certificate to local supermarkets in exchange for weapons.

Barnstable County Sheriff Jim Cummings tells WXTK-FM radio that the aim is not to make arrests, but to take unwanted weapons out of circulation.

Barnstable Police Chief Paul McDonald says last year alone his department recovered more than 50 firearms.

The program is being funded with money forfeited in drug cases.

Residents can turn in their unwanted guns at police stations in Barnstable, Falmouth, Orleans and Truro.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)