Frequently Asked Questions
Theft of Property
Immediate Steps
Q: What should I do if my stolen property may be covered by insurance?
A: Contact your insurance provider and provide them with your police file number. The insurer may require proof of ownership, photographs, receipts, or replacement value information.
Q: What if I find additional information after submitting my report?
A: Keep the file number and contact CPS with any additional information such as serial numbers, suspect information, CCTV footage, or recovered property.
Q: Should I report serial numbers?
A: Yes. Serial numbers significantly increase the chance of identifying and returning recovered property.
Lost Property
Immediate Steps
Q: What should I do if I lost my wallet?
A: Contact your financial institutions immediately to cancel or monitor debit and credit cards.
Q: What if government-issued identification was lost?
A: Contact the appropriate issuing agencies to replace the identification as soon as possible.
Q: Should I contact Equifax and TransUnion if identification was lost?
A: Yes. Stolen identification can be used to fraudulently obtain credit, loans, cell phone accounts, or other financial products. Contacting both credit bureaus allows you to place fraud alerts on your credit files. [equifax.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Q: What if I later find my lost property?
A: No further action may be required, but you may wish to notify CPS so the occurrence can be updated.
Credit Card Fraud / Debit Card Fraud
Immediate Steps
Q: What should I do immediately?
A: Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to cancel the card, report fraudulent transactions, and request a replacement card.
Q: Should I contact my bank's fraud department?
A: Yes. Your financial institution can review suspicious transactions, begin chargeback procedures where applicable, and help secure your accounts.
Q: Why should I contact Equifax and TransUnion?
A: Cancelling a card only protects that specific account. If your personal information has been compromised, criminals may attempt to open new accounts or obtain credit in your name. Contacting Equifax and TransUnion allows you to place fraud alerts on your credit reports, helping lenders verify your identity before extending credit. [equifax.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Q: Should I contact both credit bureaus?
A: Yes. Equifax and TransUnion maintain separate credit files. A fraud alert placed with one bureau does not automatically appear on the other bureau's records. [equifax.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Q: How do I contact Equifax Canada?
A: To report identity theft, lost identification, or place a fraud alert:
Equifax Canada
- Phone: 1-800-465-7166
- Identity Theft / Fraud Assistance available through their fraud reporting options. [equifax.ca], [equifax.ca]
Q: How do I contact TransUnion Canada?
A: To place a fraud alert, address identity theft concerns, or obtain your credit report:
TransUnion Canada
- Phone: 1-800-663-9980 [transunion.ca], [transunion.ca]
Q: Should I review my credit reports?
A: Yes. Review both Equifax and TransUnion reports for accounts, credit inquiries, or loans you do not recognize and report them immediately. [transunion.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Fraud / Identity Theft
Immediate Steps
Q: What should I do if I believe someone is using my personal information?
A: Contact affected financial institutions immediately, change important passwords, monitor accounts closely, and contact both Equifax and TransUnion to place fraud alerts on your credit files. [equifax.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Q: Why is it important to contact the credit bureaus?
A: Fraudsters often use stolen information to obtain new credit products rather than access existing accounts. A fraud alert warns potential lenders that additional identity verification may be appropriate before credit is approved. [equifax.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Q: What records should I keep?
A: Retain copies of correspondence with banks, credit card issuers, credit bureaus, merchants, and any other organizations involved in your fraud investigation.
Q: Should I monitor my credit after the incident?
A: Yes. Continue reviewing your credit reports for suspicious activity and follow up on any unfamiliar accounts or inquiries. [transunion.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Damage to Vehicle (Vandalism)
Immediate Steps
Q: Should I contact my insurance company?
A: If repair costs may exceed your deductible or coverage requirements apply, contact your insurer and provide the police file number.
Q: Can I repair the vehicle before police contact me?
A: Yes. Document the damage first with clear photographs from multiple angles.
Q: Should I look for surveillance footage?
A: Yes. Check nearby residences, businesses, or parking facilities for CCTV footage, as many systems automatically overwrite recordings.
Q: What if my licence plate was damaged or stolen?
A: Contact a registry agent regarding replacement procedures.
Damage to Property (Vandalism)
Immediate Steps
Q: Can I clean up or repair the damage?
A: Yes. Take detailed photographs before repairs are completed.
Q: Should I contact my insurance provider?
A: Property insurance may apply depending on the damage value and policy coverage.
Q: What if I locate video footage?
A: Preserve the footage and contact CPS to advise that evidence is available.
Attempted Theft of Vehicle
Immediate Steps
Q: My ignition or lock was damaged. What should I do?
A: Contact a qualified locksmith or automotive repair facility for inspection and repairs.
Q: Should I move my vehicle?
A: Yes, if it is safe to do so. Consider storing it in a secure location.
Q: Should I notify my insurance company?
A: Insurance coverage may apply for vandalism or attempted theft damage.
Q: What evidence should I preserve?
A: Photograph all damage before repairs begin.
Break and Enter (Non-Residential)
Immediate Steps
Q: What should I do about damaged locks or doors?
A: Contact a locksmith, contractor, or building maintenance provider as soon as practical to secure the property.
Q: Should I make a list of missing items?
A: Yes. Create an inventory including serial numbers, descriptions, and estimated values.
Q: What about video surveillance?
A: Download and preserve footage promptly as many systems automatically overwrite recordings.
Q: Should I contact my insurance company?
A: Yes. Commercial or property insurance carriers may require a police file number.
Theft from Vehicle
Immediate Steps
Q: What should I do if identification, keys, banking documents, or credit cards were stolen?
A: Contact the relevant organizations immediately, cancel payment cards, secure any affected accounts, and consider placing fraud alerts with Equifax and TransUnion. [equifax.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Q: My garage door opener was stolen from my vehicle. What should I do?
A: Consider reprogramming the opener and improving home security, especially if identifying documents containing your address were also stolen.
Q: Should I clean up broken glass?
A: Yes, but photograph the damage first.
Construction Site Theft
Immediate Steps
Q: What information will help the investigation?
A: Serial numbers, asset tags, inventory records, photographs, equipment identifiers, and GPS tracking information.
Q: Should I notify the project owner or insurer?
A: Yes. Many commercial insurance policies require prompt notification.
Q: What if equipment contains GPS tracking?
A: Preserve any tracking information and provide it to police.
Hate Crime / Hate Incident
Immediate Steps
Q: What if additional witnesses come forward?
A: Provide their information to CPS.
Q: Should I preserve messages, emails, or social media posts?
A: Yes. Save screenshots and electronic records without modifying them.
Q: What if I feel unsafe?
A: If there is an immediate safety concern, contact police immediately through 911 or the non-emergency line as appropriate.
General Questions (Applicable to All Online Reports)
Q: When will I hear from police?
A: Not all reports require investigator contact. Reports are reviewed and assessed based on investigative opportunities, evidence, and public safety considerations.
Q: What is my file number used for?
A: Your file number can be used for insurance claims, banking investigations, credit bureau notifications, property replacement processes, and future communication with CPS.
Q: Can I add information after submitting a report?
A: Yes. Reference your file number whenever providing additional information.
Q: How can I improve the chances of my property being identified?
A: Provide serial numbers, unique identifiers, photographs, receipts, registration information, and proof of ownership whenever possible.
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