PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) – Police wanted to get guns off the street – so they offered free heat to people packing heat, handing out $50 heating vouchers to anyone who willing to surrender their gun.

“Energy costs are skyrocketing,” said Rep. Peter Kilmartin, a Democratic lawmaker and Pawtucket police captain. “I was trying to look for an innovative way to assist all segments of society.”

Residents turned in 46 weapons during the exchange Wednesday, including an M-16 rifle. Police also collected thousands of rounds of ammunition.

National Grid, the New England Gas Co. and McKee Brothers Oil Corp. contributed heating vouchers, Kilmartin said.