Law enforcement encourages use of on-line system to track valuables
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: November 29, 2010
Local law enforcement agencies are teaming up to encourage the use of an on-line system that will help locate personal property faster in the event that it's ever stolen.
The Report It system is an on-line service that allows citizens to record serial numbers and upload images of cell phones, electronics, and other valuables. Should those items ever be stolen, having that information will go a long way in accurately and quickly identifying your property, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator and Shreveport Police Chief Willie Shaw.
The Report It service is a part of LeadsOnline, an on-line system that allows both the Sheriff's Office and Police Department to work with police across the country to track and recover stolen property. LeadsOnline allows detectives to search for stolen items using a variety of parameters, including item descriptions and serial numbers. When an item is sold to a pawn or secondhand shop, the product information is entered into the LeadsOnline database and is immediately viewable by participating law enforcement agencies across the country.
With the Report It system, citizens can store an unlimited number of serial numbers, item descriptions, pictures, and scans of receipts so that items may be more easily identified in the event of theft. This record may also come in handy when filing claims with insurance providers in the event of loss. Citizens wanting to participate in Report It can register for the free service at reportit.leadsonline.com and begin building their personal property inventory list.
Local law enforcement has been using LeadsOnline since 2004 and has recovered thousands of dollars in stolen property for local residents. Items have included wedding rings and other valuable jewelry, lawn and sports equipment, tools, and household items. With information provided by LeadsOnline, authorities have often tracked down the thieves and made arrests in numerous cases.
