Sumter Police Department offers lawn equipment registry

FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Sumter Police Department has created a registry that can help identify yard and garden equipment if stolen according to a news release from Tonyia McGirt, public information officer with the department.

Because thieves look for easy opportunities, the department urges residents to secure lawn equipment such as trailers, lawnmowers and blowers and to never leave them in clear view.

The Lawn & Garden Equipment Registry, which was created by patrol officers according to the release, serves as a partnership in an effort to recover, identify and return stolen items to rightful owners. One of the ways to accomplish that is by police and the public working together to have descriptions - make, model and serial or VIN numbers - readily available if the items were stolen.

Both residents and owners of yard maintenance /lawn care businesses can obtain a registry form from the Sumter Police Department, 335 N. Lafayette Drive.

Once completed, a duplicate copy will be placed on file with the department.

Police can then verify that information and enter it into the National Crime Information Center for quick identification and recovery if equipment is located.

Copies of the form also are available at local businesses that sell yard equipment and on the department's website, http://sumterpd.com/about_forms.php.

For more information, contact the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700.