Report Illegal Firearms - Burnaby Bylaws & Contacts
If you encounter illegal firearms in Burnaby, British Columbia, act promptly and safely. For immediate danger or an ongoing threat call 911. Non-emergency reports about suspected illegal possession, storage, or discharge of firearms should be directed to the appropriate enforcement office so officers can investigate and, where required, seize weapons and refer offences to Crown counsel.
Penalties & Enforcement
Firearms offences are primarily criminal matters enforced by police. City of Burnaby bylaw staff can handle local licensing and bylaw concerns but do not prosecute Criminal Code offences; those matters are referred to police and Public Prosecution. Specific municipal fine amounts for firearms-related bylaw contraventions are not specified on the cited City page; criminal penalties are set in federal law and vary by offence. By-law Enforcement contact[1]
- Enforcers: Burnaby RCMP detachment handles criminal firearm offences; City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement handles municipal bylaw complaints and referral.
- Complaint pathway: report emergencies to 911; non-emergencies should be reported to local police or submitted via the City bylaw contact page linked above.
- Fines and penalties: municipal fine amounts for bylaw contraventions are not specified on the cited page; criminal penalties for firearm offences are set out in federal law and vary by charge.
- Appeals and review: where municipal tickets are issued, the City’s ticket or notice will explain dispute or review routes; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited City page.
Applications & Forms
No dedicated municipal form is published for reporting illegal firearms; reports are made directly to police or to City bylaw staff via the contact page cited above. For criminal matters, no municipal application replaces police reporting.
Common Violations & Typical Outcomes
- Possession of an unregistered or prohibited firearm: criminal investigation and potential seizure.
- Unsafe storage or discharge in city limits: investigation, orders to secure storage, and referral to Crown counsel as applicable.
- Illegal trafficking or recovery of stolen firearms: criminal charges and evidence seizure.
FAQ
- Who should I call if I find a firearm in Burnaby?
- Call 911 if the firearm poses immediate danger; for non-emergencies contact the Burnaby RCMP detachment or the City bylaw contact page to report the find.
- Will the City issue fines for illegal firearms?
- Municipal pages do not list specific fine amounts for firearms; criminal penalties are handled under federal law and are not set out on the cited City page.
- Can I report anonymously?
- Police and the City accept anonymous tips in many cases, but providing contact details can help investigators; check the reporting page for local procedures.
How-To
- Assess safety: if immediate danger or suspects are present, call 911 right away.
- Record details: note location, time, descriptions, and any license plate or suspect information without approaching the scene.
- Contact police: call the local detachment for non-emergencies or use the City bylaw reporting contact for referrals.
- If requested, preserve evidence and provide a written statement to investigators.
Key Takeaways
- Emergencies: always call 911 for immediate threats.
- Non-emergencies: report to Burnaby RCMP or the City bylaw contact page for referral.
- Do not handle firearms; preserve the scene for investigators.
Help and Support / Resources
- Burnaby RCMP detachment - official detachment page
- City of Burnaby - By-law Enforcement contact
- Criminal Code of Canada (federal offences overview)