Wilson Borough considers law requiring the reporting of missing guns
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
BY MADELEINE MATHIAS
The Express-Times
WILSON BOROUGH | The borough may join some of the largest, crime-ridden cities in the state by requiring notification about lost or stolen handguns to the police department.

Council President Leonard Feinberg presented a draft ordinance Monday night. He's concerned about someone buying a gun then selling or giving it to someone who could not legally buy a weapon, who ends up using it in a crime.

The law would require the owner of a firearm to report to police within 72 hours after the discovery that the weapon has been lost or stolen.

He said the law, supported by Chief Steve Parkansky, would be similar to one approved in Allentown, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Easton council rejected a similar measure in 2008, although the mayor suggested in January he might reintroduce the proposal.

Council Vice President Louis Starniri said such a law should come from the state legislature. Feinberg said state legislators considered such a law, but it never came up for a vote. He believes municipalities should adopt such ordinances to show a "unified front."