(WWJ) Free guns locks are available now through the Detroit Police Department, for Detroit residents.
Officials announced Wednesday that the locks can be picked up at local police precincts, along with some safety information.
Kyra-Joy Hope, of the Detroit Police Department Chief’s Neighborhood Liaison Unit, said program's aim is to help keep children said following recent shootings involving kids in the city.
"Our goal is to encourage and to educate all gun owners of key safety techniques of handling their weapons, and for storing them properly," Hope said, at a news conference. "We also want to prevent a loaded firearm from being left lying around a house where a child can just pick it up and play with it."
That's exactly what happened in a recent case, last month in the city. On Jan. 24 police said a 4-year-old boy grabbed a gun in his house, on Hubbell near Grand River, and accidentally shot and wounded himself.
In an even more tragic case, just says earlier, a 5-year-old boy was shot and killed when police said an 18-month-old sibling found and picked up a gun at a home on Sturtevant St.
The free gun lock program is in partnership with community organizations.
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Officials say that incidents of accidental child shootings are up in recent months, believed to be due in part to more time spent at home during COVID-19 pandemic.
"Of all the other things that children face in our community, this is one of the most preventable things that we can do to help secure their lives and help to secure their futures — which is by locking up a firearm that's right there with in your own home," added Board of Police Commissioner Marvin Jones.
The gun locks will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis.