Reports of gunshots being fired within the city limits of Natchez have become far too common.

While sometimes firing a gun is justified, such as in self-defense, too many times the shots are fired for intimidation or celebratory purposes.

That is a danger to everyone in the city.

What goes up must come down and where it lands no one knows. Thankfully, no random shots have hurt anyone recently, at least to our knowledge.

While the new ordinance puts some teeth behind the law for discharging firearms within the city limits — a minimum $500 fine and 15 days in jail for a first offense and a minimum $1,000 fine and 30 days in jail for a second offense — the law is only as good as its enforcement.

Oftentimes police officers have a difficult time identifying the source of random shots fired and the person who reported it may have only heard the shots with no idea where they originated.

Therefore, it is important for witnesses to come forward to help officers identify the source of random shots being fired.

If an in-person witness account is not possible, Crime Stoppers offers an anonymous tip line — 601-442-5000 — and rewards are offered to people who provide tips that result in convictions.

Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong said tougher penalties have been shown to curtail crimes.

We hope he is correct in this case, and we hope the incidents of random shots being fired in the city decrease if not quit altogether.

It is a matter of public health and safety.