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Pawn shops in Penticton will now be required to electronically log and report all their purchases to the RCMP.

City council approved the changes to its pawnbrokers bylaw Tuesday in an attempt to prevent the sale of stolen goods.

Starting in June, the city’s six pawn shops will upload their purchases to a database shared with the RCMP, which will be able to easily search it by person, property or serial number.

“Pawn shops can be advised when goods have been flagged by the RCMP so they can hold for further investigation and possible confiscation,” a report to council states.

The program will cost each shop an estimated $300-$350 per year, with penalties of $300 for noncompliance.

Council approved the changes, but directed staff come back with an amendment down the road that allows escalating fines and the possible loss of business license for shops repeatedly caught not complying.

A similar system was implemented this spring in Surrey to great success.