Home Safety & Prevention Crime Prevention Firearm Safety

The Illinois Firearms-Child Protection Act (720 ILCS 5/24-9) makes it unlawful for any person to store or leave, within premises under his or her control, a firearm if the person knows or has reason to believe that a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without the lawful permission of the minor's parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor, and the minor causes death or great bodily harm with the firearm, unless the firearm is:

1. Secured by a device or mechanism, other than the firearm safety, designed to render a firearm temporarily inoperable; or
2. Placed in a securely locked box or container; or
3. Placed in some other location that a reasonable person would believe to be secure from a minor under the age of 14 years.

To promote safe storage of firearms, the Elmhurst Police Department provides free cable or trigger firearm locks to residents to help protect Elmhurst families. Simply stop by the police station lobby and request one!