WHEREAS the significant problem of property crimes negatively impacts the citizens of British Columbia, costs the economy millions of dollars annually and causes police to expend tremendous resources investigating property crimes and the closely linked illegal drug trade; AND WHEREAS the electronic reporting technology exists to facilitate the reporting of second-hand property to police, is in use in several jurisdictions across Canada, and has a positive impact on the problem by assisting police with the identification of active criminals and the return of stolen property to victims: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the provincial government to enact legislation making it mandatory for businesses to report second-hand property transactions to police using a compatible electronic reporting system.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Local governments wanting to implement Xtract can adopt a bylaw that requires pawnbrokers and second hand stores to enter information on Xtract, make necessary arrangements with the system administrator Vancouver Police Department and pay a licensing fee to the software development company. The Province of British Columbia continues to monitor this issue in order to ensure that a coordinated solution can be developed.