Updated: Tue Nov. 03 2009 18:02:28

ctvwinnipeg.ca

A new bylaw steps up protection for pawnshops, buyers and victims of theft.

Photos of every item and the person selling as well as copies of the seller's identification all have to be entered into a computer system. Items have to be held for 15 days before they can be sold so police can examine them.

"We would compare that against reports of stolen goods from the public and try and match it up and recover stolen goods that may have been sent to a pawn shop," says Det. Sgt. Mike Krywonizka of the Winnipeg Police Service Pawn Unit.

The unit goes through about 600 pawn shop reports a day and in 2008 officers recovered almost $200,000 in stolen goods.

"We really look at the pawn and the used goods industry as our ally," says Krywonizka.

Some pawn shop staff, meanwhile, say many people have misconceptions about the industry.

Norm Glass from Chochy's Pawn & Swap Shop says often people think items in pawn shops are stolen. He says they're mistaken, citing the protection provided by the new bylaw.

Glass says he would never jeopardize his business by taking stolen goods.

While negative stereotypes about pawn shops exist, Glass says customers have also offered praise for the shops.

"Those who use it say we provide an essential service," says Glass.

Shoppers that CTV News spoke with say they've been able to get good deals on items at pawn shops.

Officials also offer tips for people to follow to help pawn shops and the police retrieve goods if they're stolen:

• Make sure to take photos of your jewelry and have a good description of stones and design so you know what it looks like, if anything happens to it.
• Write down the serial number on your electronics, and other items like bicycles.
• If your items are stolen, file a report with police. That information is stored in a computer and if a thief tries to sell your goods, police can track it down and retrieve it for you.

- with a report from CTV's Rachel Lagacé