The RCMP in High River is saying that the purpose of their operation to seize weapons from the homes of the residents of the flooded community was to keep them from falling into the wrong hands.
Earlier in the week, when the RCMP and Canadian Forces members went door-to-door to rescue anyone in the town that stayed behind after the mandatory evacuation order, they took possession of any firearms they came across.
They say the weapons were laying out in plain view after the fleeing residents moved them to higher ground to ensure they would not be ruined.
RCMP says in a release on Friday that after they confirmed the home was empty, there was no way to make sure the guns that were left unattended would remain secure.
All of the firearms that the police seized were tagged and will be returned to their owners as soon as practically possible.
“The last thing any gun owner wants is to have their guns fall into the wrong hands. Residents of High River can be assured that firearms now in possession of the RCMP are in safe hands, and will be returned to them as soon as is practically possible, “ said Assistant Commissioner Marianne Ryan, Criminal Operations “K” Division RCMP in the release. “Gun owners will also be provided the option of having the RCMP keep the guns until they are able to store them safely.”
The RCMP also seized a number of vehicles that were posing a safety hazard.
Those vehicles will also be returned whenever possible.
