SAPD Encourages Citizens to Use Free Online System to Keep Track of Valuable Property

Reportit.leadsonline.com helps San Angelo citizens safely and securely store important information that is useful in recovering property in the event of a loss or theft, said a press release Tuesday.

The San Angelo Police Department would like to encourage all residents to use a free online system that will help keep track of valuable and invaluable personal property. ReportIt is a free, secure online service allowing citizens to record serial numbers and upload images for phones, electronics, and other valuables. Should those items ever be stolen, SAPD Officials say having the information will go a long way in accurately and quickly identifying your property. Citizens can access the site at reportit.leadsonline.com.

The ReportIt service is a part of LeadsOnline, the online system that works with police across the country to track and recover stolen property. The San Angelo Police Department uses LeadsOnline to help track and recover stolen property — everything from jewelry to sporting equipment to electronics, computers, cameras, and other items such as designer clothing, collectibles, and other items with invaluable personal worth. The system allows detectives to search for the 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 in the LeadsOnline database and is immediately viewable by participating law enforcement agencies across the country.

According to the press release, the San Angelo Police Department has used LeadsOnline since 2004 and has reported many successes using the online investigations system. Using LeadsOnline, SAPD Pawn Shop Unit Investigators have recovered on average $100,000 dollars per year in stolen property for San Angelo and surrounding residents. Recently, the LeadsOnline system helped Investigators recover a $15,000 show saddle that was stolen from a trailer located at the Foster Communications Coliseum during a recent horse show.

Other recovered items have included valuable jewelry, camera, construction equipment, iPods, tools, computers and GPS units. With information provided by LeadsOnline, police track down thieves, develop leads in numerous cases and make arrests.

Citizens can store serial numbers, item descriptions, pictures, and scans of receipts so 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 ReportIt can register for the free service at reportit.leadsonline.com and begin building their personal property inventory list.