Smart Buying: How to Use CPIC to Avoid Purchasing Stolen Goods

In the age of online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and Craigslist, finding a great deal on a used bike or a second-hand car is easier than ever. However, there is a hidden risk: How do you know the item actually belongs to the person selling it?

Every year, thousands of Canadians unknowingly purchase stolen property. Not only does this support criminal activity, but if the police recover the item, you lose both the property and the money you paid for it.

Fortunately, the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) provides a powerful, free tool for the public to verify the status of used goods before money changes hands.

What is CPIC?

Managed by the RCMP, CPIC is the primary central database used by law entertainment agencies across Canada to share information about crimes and criminals. While much of the database is restricted to police, they offer a Public Search portal designed specifically to help citizens identify stolen property.

What Can You Search For?

The CPIC public database allows you to check a wide variety of high-value items, provided you have a serial number or a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can search for:

• Motor Vehicles: Cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, and SUVs.
• Off-Road & Specialized Vehicles: Snowmobiles, ATVs, farm equipment, and trailers.
• Marine Craft: Boats and boat motors.
• Bicycles: A crucial check for any second-hand bike purchase.
• Firearms: Ensuring any private sale follows legal reporting guidelines.

How to Conduct a Search

Before meeting a seller, ask for the serial number or VIN. If they refuse to provide it, consider that a major red flag.

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the CPIC Public Search page.
2. Select Your Category: Choose between “Vehicles” or “Property.”
3. Enter the ID Number: Input the VIN or serial number carefully (no spaces or special characters).
4. Review the Results: * No Match: This means the item hasn’t been reported stolen under that specific number.
   • Possible Match: The system will flag if the item is on the stolen registry.

Important Note: Vehicle data is updated daily, while other property information is updated weekly. Always perform a final check on the day of the transaction.

What if the Search Returns a “Hit”?

If the system indicates an item is stolen:

• Do not confront the seller. Your safety is the priority.
• Do not complete the purchase. * Contact your local police. Provide them with the details of the item and the seller information you have. They will take it from there to confirm the status and attempt to return the property to its rightful owner.

Your First Line of Defence

Checking CPIC should be a standard part of your “due diligence” checklist. It takes less than two minutes and can save you thousands of dollars and a major legal headache.

Ready to verify a purchase? Visit the CPIC National Database here.