Now that you have all your Christmas gifts unwrapped, Prince George RCMP is strongly suggesting you take steps to help retrieve them in the unfortunate event they have been stolen.
Recording and filing away the make, model and serial number will go a long way towards not only helping police recover the item but also nab the criminal in the process.
"Even if there is no evidence to support a break and enter charge, it is solid evidence to support a possession of stolen property charge," Cst. Jennifer Cooper said.
Police input the serial numbers of anything that has been stolen into a national database that any police officer in the country can check.
Another great step is to take pictures of your valuables, Cooper added.
Engraving your driver’s license number on the item is also helpful.
"This allows the police to access the property owner’s information from anywhere, possibly even before the owner knows it is missing," Cooper said. "The police often locate known criminals with property we believe is stolen, but it has not been reported."
The detachment's website also holds a convenient way to report minor property thefts. Go to princegeorge.rcmp-grc.gc.ca and click on "online crime reporting on the home page.
And, if you have any information about property crimes in the Prince George area, please contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300.
You can also anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca . You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you could be eligible for a cash reward.
