AUBURN — Detective Chad Syphers recently presented Republic Jewelry and Collectibles, 212 Center St., with an Auburn Police Department “Challenge Coin.”

The coin, presented to owner Dan Cunliffe II, was given in recognition of Republic’s efforts to help reduce property crime in Auburn.

The Police Department has a community recognition program in which officers and staff are encouraged to present one of the agency’s commemorative coins to a citizen they feel has gone above and beyond in service to the community. The officers explain to the chief why they present their coin, and are given a replacement to continue the recognition. The citizen receives a letter of thanks from the chief.

According to Chief Phil Crowell, it was the first coin presented to a business. He said Republic Jewelry works closely with APD officers and detectives, assisting in recovering numerous items through the years, allowing them to be returned to their owners.