This weekend, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department teamed up with its community partners to help get unwanted weapons off our streets through a Guns for Gift Cards event in the North County.

A total of 298 unwanted firearms were turned in by the public during Sunday's event at the Vista Traffic Court parking lot located at 325 S. Melrose Drive in Vista.

Individuals received a $100 gift card for handguns, rifles and shotguns or a $200 gift card for assault weapons. 

They could also exchange their unwanted weapons for a new skateboard.  By the end of the event, about 20 skateboards were given out. 

To watch a video on the Guns for Gift Cards event, click on the above photo or this link.

All weapons collected will be processed.  Any firearms coming back as being involved in a crime will be followed up on with the appropriate law enforcement agency.  If any guns are found to be stolen, the original owners will be contacted.  All remaining weapons will be destroyed in accordance with the law.

The Sheriff's Department would like to thank the City of Vista, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, the North Coastal Prevention Coalition, the United African American Ministerial Action Council (UAAMAC), the Training Center and the Deputy Sheriff's Association (DSA) for their support in making the Guns for Gift Cards event a success.

Most importantly, thank you to the public for helping us keep their communities safe by getting unwanted firearms off our streets.

The public can always turn in their unwanted weapons at any Sheriff's station or substation.  For your safety, keep the gun in the trunk of your car and await further instructions from a deputy.  For a list of Sheriff's facilities, visit: https://www.sdsheriff.gov/patrol.  You can also call the Sheriff's non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200.