Everett residents face fine if stolen guns not reported

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) – Everett gun owners could be fined up to $250 if they do not report their lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours.

The Daily Herald reports the city council passed an ordinance earlier this month, making it an offense for not reporting a lost or stolen gun inside the city. The law goes into effect Saturday.

Police Chief Dan Templeman says unreported stolen guns contribute to crime and make it harder to return found guns to owners.

According to the police department, at least 140 guns were stolen in the city last year. Of the recovered guns, 27 were never reported as lost or stolen.

The city also passed an ordinance making it a misdemeanor offense to aim or fire a gun within city limits.

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Information from: The Daily Herald, http://www.heraldnet.com