Nanaimo RCMP will launch a new online reporting tool in early December, allowing residents to report minor crimes without tying up significant police resources. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

CRIME REPORTING

Nanaimo RCMP launching online crime reporting website

Nov 19, 2019 | 7:00 AM

NANAIMO — A new online reporting tool is set to streamline Nanaimo RCMP’s response to minor crimes.

The website being unveiled in December allows residents to report minor crimes, including damage to property or theft under $5,000, directly to officers.

Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the system provides RCMP the relevant information without taking up additional detachment resources.

“This allows our police officers to move on, prioritize our files and deal with the more urgent ones…also our call takers who are tied up dealing with these situations where in reality a police officer may not have to attend.”

RCMP believe this system will have a trickle down effect by bettering response times for officers and improving overall safety for the public.

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O’Brien said the system is designed for crimes with no suspects or witnesses, such as a car being broken into overnight.

If the crime does have witnesses or possible suspects, the person reporting the crime will be instructed to call the non-emergency Nanaimo RCMP line.

“It’s using technology in an appropriate way and allows our police officers and call takers to prioritize the more emerging situations.”

The system is part of a pilot project and already online in Surrey, Richmond, Ridge Meadows and Kelowna.

Once online, crimes can be reported at https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/nanaimo/en

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