TheftLink is a community-powered theft intelligence platform. This draft Privacy Policy explains what we plan to collect, how we will use and protect it, and the choices you will have. It is published for transparency during the pre-launch period and is not yet in effect.
Pre-launch status
Today, TheftLink does not accept live theft reports. Submissions made through the reporting form during pre-launch are not stored, transmitted, or processed. Volunteer applications submitted through the volunteer form are stored solely to follow up about volunteer opportunities.
Information we will collect (once live)
- Incident details you submit: incident type, category, property fields, narrative, and any evidence attached.
- Location data: a generalized location (ZIP, neighborhood) at minimum, and optionally a more precise location you choose to share.
- Contact information: an account email is required to track your reports; optional name and phone.
- Consent acknowledgements recorded at the time of submission.
How we will separate sensitive data
Identity, precise location, and contact information are stored separately from the de-identified incident record used for pattern review and analytics. The de-identified record contains only generalized geography and an analytical identifier that cannot be reversed to a reporter without admin access to the separate identity store.
How we will use information
- To document and review the incident you submitted.
- To identify patterns across submissions (probabilistic, human-reviewed).
- To contact you about your submission, if you opted in.
- To share de-identified, generalized intelligence with appropriate partners only when warranted.
What we do not do
- We do not sell your information.
- We do not publish your identity or precise location.
- We do not surveil neighborhoods or run continuous monitoring.
Storage, security, and retention
Information is stored in access-controlled databases. Once live, uploaded media will be held in a private storage bucket accessible only to authorized reviewers. Retention periods will be published in the final Privacy Policy.
Your choices
- You may decline to provide your name and phone.
- You may request deletion of your identity record by emailing info@theftlink.org.
- You may withdraw consent for future contact at any time.
Children
TheftLink is not directed to children under 13 and we do not knowingly collect their information.
Changes
We will post material changes here with an updated effective date.
Contact
Questions or requests: info@theftlink.org