Dozens of locals turn in their guns

OPA LOCKA, Fla. (WSVN) -- A community effort to curb violence triggered a record breaking turnout.

Gun buybacks are nothing new. The concept is simple, turn in your gun, get cash for it, no questions asked.

"If that's what motivates them," said Detective E.A. Crawford, "I'm fine with it. Our job is to get them in and get them off the streets."

But the Opa Locka Police Department said the buyback event was record-breaking with 103 guns turned in.

And they think there's a reason why. People wanted to get rid of their guns in the wake of the mass shooting in Newton Connecticut. "I think it does. Last Christmas we did get 58 guns, but I think you're absolutely right. I think that's weighing on people's minds. They want to get guns out of the house."

The Newtown tragedy has re-ignited the issue of gun control policy. This past week saw dueling news conferences from President Obama and the National Rifle Association.

Those who turned in their guns Saturday said they just wanted to get them out of their house. "Especially with what happened last week," said Karen Petersen, "we really wanted to get the guns out of the house. So this was an excellent way to get rid of them."

"There's so much killing going on," said Willie Walker. "Get rid of that gun."

Police paid anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on the type of gun.

They said they even received six stolen guns.

The stolen guns are being returned to their rightful owners, the others will be destroyed.

(Copyright 2012 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)