From todays Milton Canadian Champion
Cops set up online crime reporting
Halton Regional Police Service has made it more convenient for the public to now report certain types of crime online through their website at www.haltonpolice.ca.
HRPS is one of first police services in Canada to introduce online police reporting as a way to enhance its service to the public.
Now, rather than having to go to a Halton police station or call the non-emergency line at 905-878-5511, people can use the new HRPS online police reporting system to report lost property, theft of property valued at less than $5,000, theft from vehicle, and damage or vandalism to their home or vehicle.
The offence must have occurred within Halton, there must be no known suspects, and it must not be a crime in progress.
To report a crime in progress, the public is advised to call 9-1-1.
“People today lead incredibly busy lives, and this is one way we can help them get back to their day as quickly as possible after their vehicle has been broken into, or their property has been lost, stolen, or vandalized,” said Chief Gary Crowell, adding, “It also is a tremendous convenience for people who may live outside of Halton, but unfortunately were a victim of one of these types of crimes while within our jurisdiction.”
Since starting testing of the new system, the Service has received 112 police reports, with the vast majority being filed by Oakville and Burlington residents.
The three most commonly reported crimes using the new system are theft from auto, theft of property and property damage.
The system is secure, confidential and easy to use. People are required to have a valid email address, and should disable any pop-up blockers before filing their report online.
Complete instructions and an FAQ are available on the Service’s website at www.haltonpolice.ca.