ORILLIA, Ont. — Ontario Provincial Police say there has been a huge increase in the number of crimes being reported through its online reporting system.
Between Jan. 1 and May 20 of this year, the number doubled in comparison with the same period last year.
A spokesperson says it's largely because police have encouraged the public to file reports this way to reduce personal contact and the risk of spreading COVID-19.
OPP have also expanded the system to include more options.
Previously, reports made online were limited to crimes involving losses of less than $5,000.
Now, regardless of value – providing there is no evidence and no suspects – the following crimes are eligible for online reporting:
- theft
- mischief / damage to property
- theft from vehicle
- lost / missing property
- stolen licence plates and/or validation tags
- driving complaints (after the occurrence)
To see a list of less serious incidents eligible for online reporting, and to access the system, users can go to opp.ca/reporting, choose their location, and start a report. This will take a user to a secure link where there are precise instructions on how to complete a report.
OPP say that using online reporting helps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by limiting direct contact between police and members of the public, while allowing frontline officers to focus their efforts on urgent calls.
