Q: My friend died of an overdose. His car, wallet and identification is missing. Can I report it stolen? CA
He was found under an overpass alone. The police tell me that I have to be family in order to report the car missing. Once they heard it was an overdose, they didn't care.
A:
If your friend's car, wallet, and identification are missing and you believe they were stolen, you can report the theft to the police. The fact that your friend died of an overdose does not preclude you from reporting the theft, and the police should take your report seriously regardless of the circumstances.
While it's true that family members are typically the ones who report missing persons, anyone who has information about a crime or a missing person can report it to the police. In fact, reporting the theft may be important in helping to identify the person or persons responsible for your friend's death and recovering any stolen property.
If the police are unresponsive or dismissive of your report, you may want to consider contacting a local advocacy group or civil rights organization for assistance. These organizations can provide guidance and support for reporting crimes and asserting your rights as a victim or concerned citizen.
It's important to remember that reporting a theft or other crime is not only your right, but also a responsibility to help keep your community safe and prevent further harm.
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