Lockport holding its first gun buyback

LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) - The City of Lockport is getting ready for its first gun buyback program this weekend, but the police chief is concerned gun owners will cut corners to sell their weapons.

Chief Larry Eggert will have extra security working on Saturday to protect innocent people dropping off their unwanted guns as the city looks to get the weapons off the street. The gun buyback runs from noon until 5 p.m. at the Main Street side of the municipal building.

Lockport Mayor Mike Tucker said, "The gangbangers, I'm sure we're not going to see them, they're not going to turn in a gun for $100 unless it doesn't work."

Residents will be able to turn in a non-working gun for $10, a rifle or shotgun for $50, a pistol for $75 or an assault style weapon for $100 - no questions asked.

Chief Eggert said, "We're also taking old ammunition and we're giving out gun locks. I don't know what the turnout is going to be, quite frankly."

Gun buybacks aren't uncommon but Lockport's will be a little different. It's taking place at a time when the debate over gun control continues to heat up, especially in NYS, where Governor Andrew Cuomo pushed through the strictest gun law in the nation.

Chief Eggert will have extra security on hand for safety as well as to prevent illegal gun purchases from taking place. He says the police have gotten e-mails warning him that people might try to buy guns from people before they turn them in.

"What we want to prevent is people who see the value of the guns and will try to take advantage of the people bringing the guns in," Chief Eggert explained.

The City of Lockport wants people to drop off their unwanted prescriptions on Saturday as well. There is a huge blue looking mailbox in the back of the police station where you can make the drop.