Well over a dozen rifles are stuffed into a bright blue plastic trash bin.
All the firearms collected during the gun buyback will be properly disposed of, police said. Credit: Courtesy photo

The Santa Barbara Police Department held a Gun Buyback May 20 at the Santa Barbara City Yards.

The Gun Buyback Program is an initiative to enhance community safety by reducing the number of unwanted firearms in the Santa Barbara area.

SBPD saw a great response from residents who demonstrated their commitment to creating a safer environment for all.

Overall, the Santa Barbara Police Department collected 137 unwanted guns. A variety of firearms were collected, including California legal and illegal guns.

The weapons surrendered represented a significant step toward reducing the potential risks associated with these weapons, according to the Police Department.

All the firearms collected during the program will be properly disposed of in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

SBPD thanks all community members who participated in the program. Their responsible actions in surrendering unwanted firearms demonstrate their commitment to community safety, the department said. Also, the SBPD thanks the other city departments that assisted in making the program successful.