Police distribute pawn reporting guide

The Reno Police Department last week began distributing a booklet to pawn shops and antique, collectibles and second-stores to help them train new employees on reporting procedures.

The guide is also being placed on the Reno Police Department's Web site.

People who sell merchandise to pawn shops and other stores under City of Reno licensing requirements must provide proof of identification through a valid driver's license, passport, or legally issued identification card which is copied by the business. A finger or thumb print also is required.

The businesses must also record a complete and reasonably accurate description of the items they receive that must include any serial number or other identifying marks or symbols, any numbers applied by the owner, a manufacturer's brand and model name or number.

The information is provided to the Reno Police Department each week by email and reviewed by detectives assigned to burglary cases.