Free gun locks will be available in Marion County this week. Here's what to know

INDIANAPOLIS — Free gun locks will be available at a Thursday event on the city's west side.

Marion County residents can pick up a gun lock from 5-7 p.m. at the Villa Del Sola Apartments, 3636 Mission Drive . The effort is part of attempts to curb the growing trend of Indianapolis children getting ahold of unsecured firearms and firing the weapon , causing injury or death.

“As a community, we've seen far too many lives shattered by accidental shootings," said Indianapolis Police Chief Christopher Bailey. "Gun locks offer a simple yet powerful solution to prevent these heart-wrenching tragedies. Let's make responsible firearm storage a priority, ensuring that every gun is safely secured when not in use."

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In 2023, 24% of shootings investigated by Indianapolis police that involved youth were ruled ‘accidental.’

Police urge gun owners to keep their firearms unloaded, locked and separate from their ammunition.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office and national gun safety program Project ChildSafe helped fund the gun locks.  Gun locks are limited to two per person.

The helpers: Stories of rising Indy youth violence 'shock the conscience.' But not everyone has given up

Contact reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Free gun locks will be available in Marion County this week. Here's what to know