Police offer free gun locks

As a part of an initiative to spread safe firearm use, the Havre Police Department is offering safety kits to anyone who wants them.

The gun lock is a cable-style lock that runs through the magazine area of the weapon and prevents it from working. The lock comes with a set of keys. The kit also comes with a brochure that covers safe handling and proper storage of firearms in homes.

“Years ago, we distributed them,” said acting Havre police chief Gabe Matosich. “We didn’t have any more, and people were starting to inquire about them.”

The safety kits are available at the police station, Bing ’N’ Bob’s Sport Shop, Stromberg Sinclair and North 40 Outfitters.

There are 500 kits available now, and more will be ordered when those are depleted.

“We’re going to try and keep them here all the time now,” Matosich said.

He added that people who want to take extras for their family and friends can certainly do so.

The initiative is from the Bureau of Justice program Project ChildSafe and is sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.