Essex County OPP wants the public to know that going online to report a minor crime can be an alternative to calling and having an officer attend the scene.
Citizen Self Reporting was introduced across the province almost three years ago, but people in Essex County haven’t embraced it. According to a Friday news release, its use in the region has been “very low” to date.
“Keep in mind, the use of this new system is completely optional,” OPP said in the release. “Police will still attend a call for service if desired.” You can still call OPP at 1-888-310-1122. And if you have an emergency, you should still call 911.
Use of the online tool allows the OPP to be more efficient with its resources. If people use CSR to report minor crimes, “it allows our members to respond to calls of priority in Essex County,” said Essex detachment Cmdr. Glenn Miller, who said he strongly encourages people to use CSR.
Crimes you can report online at opp.ca/reporting include: thefts under $5,000; damage to property under $5,000; traffic complaints; thefts from vehicles; lost or missing property.
