Winnipeg police: Virtual response to break-ins [Video]

With an overwhelming wave of break-ins washing over Winnipeg and not enough officers to respond, police are turning to technology to help.

Officers who are part of the virtual response unit are able to connect with victims of non-urgent break-ins and property crimes via video chat, rather than attending in person.

“Virtual police response has allowed us a much quicker response,” said Insp. Helen Peters.

When police get a report of a break-in at a home or business, and there is no safety risk, it’s dropped lower on the priority list and could take days for officers to respond in person.

“Our resources are primarily going to high priority calls, that’s calls where there’s a risk of danger.”

But the virtual response unit can connect within 24 hours, using smartphones and video calls.

“We’re then going to ask the homeowner if they can turn their camera and show us the …