Penticton RCMP to launch crime reporting website

Penticton will soon have a crime reporting website.

Penticton RCMP are preparing to participate in a new, online crime reporting tool, which is in use by other B.C. detachments, according to an RCMP media release issued today, Feb. 19.

The BC RCMP Online Crime Reporting tool is set for a late March launch in Penticton.

The tool allows the public to report non-emergency crimes online through the Penticton RCMP detachment website, police say, allowing frontline officers to be free to respond to serious emergencies and provide more time for proactive policing initiatives.

A public education period is expected to precede the launch of the website, which can be used by any City of Penticton resident with an email address using a smart phone, computer or tablet.

The following criteria need to be followed in reporting online crime:

• report does not require police officer follow-up
• there are no witnesses or suspects
• cost of lost item(s) are less than $5,000, and/or someone has stolen something from you that costs less than $5,000
• vandalism of property amounting to less than $5,000
• none of the items involve personal identity, firearms, licence plates or license plate validation stickers.

All online reports will be reviewed by a supervisor and if follow-up is necessary, an officer may still be engaged.

“These stats will continue to help with how we deploy our resources. However this modern reporting method will increase our officer’s ability to investigate serious offences and continue efforts to reduce crime in our community,” Penticton RCMP spokesperson Const. James Grandy said in the release.

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