Edenvale SAPS has taken on a national campaign this month to combat the trade of second-hand goods.
Sgt Jacob Mashile, the communications officer at Edenvale SAPS, said the police are working hard to address underlying causes of crime by tackling and disrupting the stolen goods market.
It is unlawful to be in possession of stolen goods according to Section 25 and 36 of the Criminal Procedure Act 56 of 1955.
“The community must report suspicious people who sell second-hand goods without a receipt or proof of purchase. To avoid being arrested pawn shops and dealers must use an item identifying system.
Also read: Dogs poisoned in Edenvale
“Second-hand dealers should use the micro-dotting system for the items they sell,” said Mashile.
This is to prove that the item was not stolen when police stop them.
“Pawnshop owners should not buy items that do not have proof of purchase. A way to know that an item might be stolen is if it is being sold at a very low price,” said Mashile.
What dealers must do when buying items from a seller:
• Obtain the seller’s full name, contact details, home address and get a copy of their ID or passport.
• Get a signature of the seller and the date and time of the transaction.
• Get a copy of identification and keep it for five years in case someone comes and claims the item has been stolen.
Mashile said the community should secure their property to avoid theft.
“Do not leave your property like hosepipes and lawn-mowers in plain sight; they attract thieves.”
“The community should be aware of dealers selling generators, hosepipes, lawn-mowers and scrap metal on street corners.
Also read: Drugs suspect nabbed in Edenvale
“Usually, the sellers are drug addicts who have stolen these items from people’s homes.”
The awareness campaign will see Edenvale SAPS take to the streets.
“This an on-going campaign. We will be in the streets giving pamphlets and creating awareness about the stolen goods market,” said Mashile.
