Lansdale Police offering free gun locks in partnership with Project ChildSafe to promote safe firearm storage

In a bid to enhance community safety and encourage responsible gun ownership, the Lansdale Borough Police Department is offering free gun locks — no cost, no questions asked — to residents who need them. 

The offer, sponsored through the local department’s partnership with Project ChildSafe and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), is part of an ongoing effort to make firearms storage safer and prevent tragedies.

According to the police department, the safety benefits of properly securing firearms are significant. These include reducing the risk of suicide or self-harm, preventing accidental discharge (especially by children), and helping to deter theft or misuse of firearms. 

Residents are invited to stop by the lobby of the Lansdale Police Department to pick up a free gun lock — while supplies last — thanks to the donation by Project ChildSafe.

What is Project ChildSafe / NSSF

Project ChildSafe is a nationwide firearm safety and education program run by the NSSF, the trade association for the firearms industry. Since its creation in 1999, Project ChildSafe has distributed more than 41 million free firearm safety kits — including cable-style gun locks and safety brochures — across all 50 states and U.S. territories in cooperation with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies.

Each safety kit typically includes:

• A cable-style gun locking device, which helps prevent unauthorized access to a firearm.
• A brochure with instructions on safe handling, secure storage, and broader safety practices for gun owners.

The initiative is part of Project ChildSafe’s “Own It? Respect It. Secure It.” campaign, which promotes awareness of secure firearm storage as a core responsibility of gun owners.  

Secure storage of firearms is seen by public safety experts as one of the most effective steps in preventing tragedies. In many cases, cable locks can prevent unauthorized access to a gun long enough to avoid impulsive misuse, prevent accidents, and reduce the possibility of theft. 

They also offer a simple barrier that, while not foolproof, greatly reduces the likelihood of an accidental or unintended discharge. 

What You Should Do

If you own a firearm in Lansdale or nearby, police recommend:

• Use the free gun lock provided to secure any unused firearm.
• Store the key to the gun lock separately from the firearm.
• Keep firearms unloaded when not in use.

Learn more about safe storage practices via the Project ChildSafe website, which offers many educational resources and options.