Pawn Section detectives are responsible for inspecting every pawnshop in the City on a daily basis. There are 117 licensed pawnshops[PDF] and over 3000 secondhand dealers in the City of Los Angeles with four detectives available to accomplish the inspections. The Pawn Section also has one detective assigned to the Scrap Metal Unit. He has the responsibility of inspecting 103 scrap yards citywide. Additionally the Pawn Section has investigative responsibility for all Police Commission permit applicant background investigations dealing with pawnshops, secondhand dealers, swap meets, and antique shows. There are approximately 400 permit investigations conducted yearly.
In 2003, the Pawn Section recovered $525,312.00. This property included property recovered from pawnshops as well as recovered metal. This is a significant service provided to the community.
PAWN SHOP UNIT
In 1971, all Area detectives who handled pawnshops were transferred to Burglary-Auto Theft Division. This was done to centralize the controls on all holds placed in both pawnshops and secondhand shops, and to insure that follow-ups removing property from the Automated Stolen Property File are completed in a timely manner. Tighter controls on both pawnshops and secondhand stores have proven beneficial. The rules and regulations governing these businesses are now enforced and interpreted in a uniform manner. In 1999, the Pawnshop Section was responsible for providing Area detectives with information leading to the arrest of numerous suspects and the clearance of many crimes.
The Pawn Unit is presently staffed by a Detective III (Officer-in-Charge), and three Detectives I. The unit’s mission of recovering stolen property and identifying those suspects committing the crimes is in keeping with the Los Angeles Police Department’s core value of Commitment to Community Service.
METAL THEFT UNIT
The Metal Theft Unit was established in the 1930’s. It has citywide responsibility for the investigation, supervision, and inspection of 103 junkyards and metal dealers. This unit coordinates the investigation of stolen metal sold to these dealers. Most of the property recovered by the unit is identified and recovered before the victims realize they have been victimized.
A Detective II, who has developed expertise in identifying stolen metals, staffs the Metal Theft Unit. The unit maintains contact with aerospace and foundry industries to assist in recovering stolen property. The Metal Theft Unit is recognized nationwide for its expertise.
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