The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has launched a new online reporting system that will allow members of the general public to report crime to police. The initial launch is for relatively minor crime reports, including incidents of mischief, lost property, theft under $5,000, and lost or stolen licence plates.
Full text of a news release issued today by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service follows:
Today we are proud to announce the official launch of our online crime reporting system. This tool will allow the people we serve to easily file reports for some crimes online. This system is not only more convenient for the people of Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township, but it also reduces physical contact between our members and the public on less serious offences; which during the ongoing pandemic helps to keep all in our community safe. This method has been proven to be efficient and easy to use.
The initial launch will include reporting for a small number of incidents, including:
• Theft from vehicle (under $5,000)
• Theft (under $5,000)
• Lost property
• Mischief or damage caused to a vehicle
• Mischief or damage caused to property
• Lost/stolen licence plate
• Bicycle registration
• Supplementary or additional information reportIn order for people to report a crime online, the incident must meet the following rules:
• To file a report online you must ensure the incident occurred within the Municipality of Sault Ste. Marie or Prince Township.
• You must have a valid email address to use this system.
• If there is a known suspect, you cannot make an online report, you must call Sault Police at 705-949-6300.
• If there is evidence at the scene you cannot make an online report, you must call Sault Police at 705-949-6300.
• We do not accept reports filed on behalf of another person.“We truly feel the online reporting method will create a more efficient way for the people we serve to report these specific incidents,” said Chief Hugh Stevenson. “Not only will this allow for greater service to the people of Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township, but it will also allow our officers to attend more calls for service where their presence is needed urgently.”
The Online Reporting system allows complainants to post pictures and provide a detailed explanation of the incident. Officers will review all submissions and contact the complainant as the incident dictates.
Another goal of this system is to get more bicycles registered. Each year we receive many reports of stolen bicycles. This system will allow people to register their bicycles, provide the Service with photos and allows our members to more easily search the system when a bicycle is reported stolen. Hopefully, this will lead to more bicycles reported stolen being returned to their proper owner.
To view our Online Reporting System or to submit a report, please visit here.
Along with the addition of online crime reporting, our Online Record Check system now offers a fully virtual experience. The majority of our records checks will be completed online as most results will now be sent to recipients via email. We will no longer offer walk in record check services. All in person record checks will be by appointment only.