Penticton city council looking at joining pawnshop database in effort to spot stolen goods

PENTICTON – Penticton council is being asked to support bylaw amendments that would allow for improved monitoring and tracking of the pawnshop trade in the city.

The City of Penticton is partnering with the RCMP in a proposal to move to an online reporting program known as the Regional Automated Property Information Database, an internet-based system for collecting, storing and delivering information gathered at pawnshops and second hand stores, according to a report going to council today, May 22.

Pawnshops in Penticton would be required to purchase the electronic reporting system that would log all goods brought in by the public. The data could then be queried by police to identify stolen goods, which would be flagged and held by RCMP for further investigation or confiscation.

The city staff report says participation in the program would result in reduced opportunities for thieves to use pawnshops as outlets to dispose of stolen merchandise.

The database would also allow search of other similar databases connected to the program, including communities of Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George, Surrey and Chilliwack.

There would be no cost to the city to implement the program, but it would cost each business approximately $300 to $350 annually to operate the database.

City staff would meet with affected business owners to explain the process, and if necessary, include business owners from Kelowna to help explain the process, the report says.

City Council will be asked to support a proposed staff work plan and give first, second and third readings to two bylaw amendments at today's, May 22, council meeting.

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