Cape Breton regional police now accepting online reports for minor offences

People in Cape Breton Regional Municipality can now file online police reports for minor crimes.

Chief Robert Walsh said the new tool isn't for emergencies but for things like theft or property damage under $5,000, or to report items that have been lost or found.

The online service is something that people have been requesting for years, he said following an announcement at a meeting of Cape Breton Regional Municipality's police commission on Monday.

"One thing we heard loud and clear was that they wanted to be able to access police file numbers, especially if it's something for an insurance purpose, so that they can get it on record, get that file number and proceed to their insurance carrier," Walsh said.

Police may eventually add the ability to report minor motor vehicle collisions, he said.

"We wanted to start with a baseline number of calls, introduce it to the community, see if there is interest and uptake as we expect there is going to be, and then as we engage with the public. If they ask us for other call options, we'll look at that as well," Walsh said.

The online reporting tool is available here. 

People who prefer to talk to an officer directly can always call 902-563-5151, the non-emergency number that's open during business hours, he said.

But with the widespread use of smartphones, it makes sense for police to offer the public a way to get in touch for non-urgent matters at their convenience.

"We know that people use their phones for a great many number of things," Walsh said. "Why not use it to file a police report?"

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