Penticton RCMP rolling out online crime reporting

Photo: Contributed

Penticton RCMP rolling out online reporting tool.

Victims of crime in Penticton will be able to report incidents online starting next month. 

The BC RCMP Online Crime Reporting tool will launch in late march, allowing the public to report non-emergency crimes through the local detachment's website.

In theory, the tool will free up front-line officers to respond to serious emergencies and provide more time for proactive initiatives. 

The tool has already been rolled out successfully in other detachments in BC, according to Penticton RCMP. 

“Every online report received will be reviewed by a supervisor, and should follow-up be required, an officer may still be engaged. These stats will continue to help with how we deploy our resources," said James Grandy.

Prior to the official launch, RCMP will be educating the public about the website and how it works. Any City of Penticton resident with a valid email address will be able to use the tool using a computer, smart phone or tablet.

To report a crime online it will have to meet the following criteria:

• Your report does NOT require a follow up by a police officer; and
• You have no witness nor suspect;
• You have lost something that costs less than $5,000; and/or
• Someone has stolen something from you that costs less than $5,000; and/or
• Someone has vandalized your property or car and it will cost less than $5,000 to repair it; and
• There are no items involving personal identity, firearms, licence plates or licence plate validation decals