How to report a minor crime on P.E.I. without having to call police

Imagine if someone broke into your shed and stole your new hedge clippers.

Or they rummaged through your car and helped themselves to the $4.75 in your cupholder.

Is it worth the effort to report it to police?

RCMP say yes, and they're trying to make it easier to do. That's why in the fall they launched the online reporting tool for minor crimes such as thefts or damage under $5,000, and lost property.

"This is now a tool that someone in that situation could make that report," said RCMP Cpl. Gavin Moore.

"And … that's of value to police because likely if your $4.75 is missing there maybe a dozen other neighbours [who] have had their car rummaged through. And we can paint a bigger picture about what those crime trends are."

The online reporting tool should only be used for thefts or damage under $5,000, or lost property. (CBC)

The reporting tool is online at report.rcmp.ca/pei. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

An officer will review the file and follow up, typically within a few days, Moore said.

"We want Islanders to feel comfortable to report crimes in their community at any time," Moore said.

"They are more than welcome to reach out to speak to a police officer, but this does certainly provide an opportunity to maybe catch some things that people might not normally report or make life easier for those who have a smaller, more minor offence that they want to report to police."

More serious crimes, or thefts where there are witnesses or suspects, should be reported in person or over the phone, Moore said.