MPPD to co-host anonymous gun buyback event August 9

The Menlo Park Police Department is partnering with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, County of San Mateo, Citizens for San Mateo County Gun Buyback and local law enforcement agencies to hold an anonymous gun buyback event Saturday, August 9 from 10:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m. at 400 Harbor Blvd., Belmont.

Participating law enforcement agencies include the Menlo Park Police Department, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, Belmont Police Department and Redwood City Police Department.

The gun buyback event held in the spring of 2024 yielded 297 firearms, including a record-breaking 24 assault weapons, four ghost guns and one machine gun.

In addition to removing unwanted firearms from the community, gun buyback events also provide an opportunity to educate community members about safe firearm storage and other gun safety protocols. Free gun locks will be distributed at the event.

All firearms will be accepted without question. Cash incentives range from $50 to $200. Funds are subject to availability. Firearms should be unloaded and securely stored in the trunk of the vehicle prior to arrival.

The program is funded by the County of San Mateo, in partnership with the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and with grassroots support from Citizens for a San Mateo County Gun Buy Back, a local community group.