SURREY RCMP’s investigation into alleged criminal activity facilitated through a pawnshop has led to multiple criminal charges against the pawnshop owner.

Surrey RCMP’s Property Crime Target Team initiated an investigation into trafficking of stolen property in December 2020. A pawn shop located in the 7100-block of King George Boulevard was believed to be conducting business with prolific property crime offenders.

All pawn and second-hand businesses are required by City of Surrey Bylaws to report to police all property which they intake through a Regional Automated Property Information Database (RAPID). Businesses are required to provide detailed descriptions of the property they intake, including serial numbers, which are cross-referenced with the Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC) to detect stolen property.

On May 3, Giovanni Robert Cipparone, 39, was charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking in property obtained by crime, and four counts of possession of property obtained by crime. Cipparone has been served a summons to appear in court later this month.

“Prolific property crime offenders are responsible for committing a disproportionately large number of offences in Surrey,” said Cpl. Vanessa Munn, Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer. “Those who intake and facilitate the sale of stolen property perpetuate thefts in our community.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or  www.solvecrime.ca.