BRIXTON – The Brixton police are warning second-hand stores not to accept stolen goods, and the community not to purchase them.
Brixton Police Station spokesperson Jeanette Backhoff said, “On a daily basis, the Brixton police receive a lot of property-related cases. Most of the stolen items are sold at second-hand goods shops, without the shops considering the consequences of buying and selling stolen goods.”
She said that buying and selling stolen goods is a criminal offence and the culprits involved can receive a fine or face imprisonment. Members of the community are advised not to buy or sell any stolen property. Instead, if they suspect that a store is selling stolen goods, they should report the matter to assist the police with information to catch the perpetrators.
Backhoff suggested that the community members who are not conscious of the safety of their property are helping to perpetuate this type of crime. She requested that the community ensures that their belongings are safe and not displayed. “Make sure that your vehicle, house, garages and storage facilities are locked properly at all times.
“The Brixton police have regular inspections and operations that target second-hand goods businesses, but we still need the community to get on board to make our community safer and better.”
Backhoff issued the following tips to avoid such cases:
- Practice responsible purchasing of second-hand goods.
- Blow the whistle on stolen goods.
- Inform the authorities of illegal second-hand goods dealers/recyclers.
- Report copper cable theft to the authorities.
- Provide the authorities with information on illegal activities and the whereabouts of the criminals.
If the community has any information on stolen goods they can call 08600 10111 or the National Anti-Corruption hotline on 0800 701 701, or their local police station.
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