For the Reporter

Led by Mayor Nancy Backus and Auburn Police Chief Bob Lee, the City of Auburn has partnered with TRACKMOLE to provide a property tracking and crime prevention tool.

Officials say the partnership will help break the disconnect between the police, who are unable to identify the owners of lost or stolen property, and the victims of property crimes.

“This is just one more example of the progressive and innovative way in which the City and Police Department are using the power of technology to build stronger and safer neighborhoods to serve residents in the most efficient way possible,” Backus said.

Auburn joins other cities like Kent, Federal Way, Renton, Tukwila and Puyallup and 30 other cities from the Sound Cities Association that are using the program.

Estimates show less than 5 percent of owners record the serial numbers of their property, which is the main identifier police use to locate and return lost, stolen, and left-behind property to the rightful owner.

“Help us help you,” Lee said. “This virtual property tracking program will help us increase the recovery rate of lost, stolen, and left-behind property for our residents and business owners.”

A free account can be created in less than a minute online at TrackMole.com. Users also can sign up with their Facebook, Amazon or Google+ account. The system allows you to provide as little information as an email address or include more information in their profile if desired, but it is not required.

Once the account is created, residents are encouraged to spend some time registering household valuables.

If property is ever lost or stolen, police agencies can search TRACKMOLE and the owner will simultaneously receive an email from TRACKMOLE, stating where it is, who has it, and how to get it back.

For more information on the program or to join and register property, visit trackmole.com.

More information about the Auburn Police Department and crime prevention can be found at www.auburnwa.gov/police.