Sometimes you might experience a minor property loss, theft
or damage that the Sheriff’s Office should know about but that does not constitute
an emergency. You can report the incident online without having to call 911 or the
non-emergency number.
Sgt. Nathan Alanis, of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s
Office, points out that the online report form is for misdemeanor crimes that
are under $5,000 and there is no suspect information. Often without suspect
information it is difficult for the Sheriff’s Office to follow up on each
specific report. Reporting this category of crimes online frees up Snohomish
County 911 for more serious calls.
That does not mean that the Sheriff’s Office does not pay
attention to online reports. A Sergeant reviews each report. For example, if
there turns out to be suspect information provided by the report, the Sergeant
will refer it to a patrol deputy for contact with the reporting party and a fuller
report.
Online reporting can be helpful in catching burglars and
thieves by tracing reported stolen property. With detailed information about
stolen property including descriptions and serial numbers detectives can check
pawn shops for the property. Also, found property can be checked if it has been
stolen. No one can be charged with a crime unless the property has been
reported stolen. Also, stolen property cannot be returned to the rightful
owner, even if there seems to be a slim chance of its return, if the property
is not reported stolen.
Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:
Other forms, reports and applications that you can find
online:
