About the Service Pawn Unit

Pawn broking is one of man's oldest financial institutions. Its history can be traced back at least 3,000 years to ancient China and has been found in the earliest written histories of Greek and Roman civilizations. Besides being a source of capital for people in times of need, pawnshops can also provide a quick source of capital for enterprising thieves wanting to exchange their ill-gotten gains for cash.

The Pawn By-law (#333) was passed by City Council on May 18, 1885 requiring pawnshops and second-hand dealers to keep a register of all transactions. Pawnshops, second-hand and precious metal/antique dealers are currently regulated pursuant to the License By-law (6551/95).

If you've been the victim of a property crime and suspect that your property has been pawned, call or attend to your local police station or police service center.

If you have already filed a police report about a property crime, contact the investigator assigned to your case.

Please call the Pawn Unit members if you have any questions about the Licence By-law, pawnbrokers or second hand dealers.