What must be done immediately if certificates of inspection are stolen?

The correct course of action when certificates of inspection are stolen is to notify the police department. Reporting the theft promptly is essential because it creates an official record of the incident, which can be instrumental in recovering the stolen items or preventing misuse. This also helps in ensuring that no fraudulent activity is conducted using those stolen certificates.

Having a report filed with the police can provide protection for the person whose certificates were stolen, as it demonstrates due diligence and proactive measures taken in response to the incident. Additionally, local law enforcement may have procedures in place to track or recover stolen property, which can aid in preventing further complications related to the theft.

While reporting to a quality assurance officer or reapplying for new certificates might be part of the process of managing the aftermath of a theft, immediate contact with law enforcement is the vital first step in addressing the issue of stolen inspection certificates.