No second hand laws for dealers

Dealers in second-hand merchandise were urged to ensure their business dealings were above board, to avoid legal action against them.

During a Second-Hand Dealers Forum meeting held at Newcastle Club last Wednesday, Captain Jerry Lutchman from the Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods (FLASH) unit, said all businesses were to be monitored by Flash and that a written warning register was soon to be implemented.

This document would record businesses’ details, and if the owner committed any business offences like not being registered or discrepancies in the store’s transaction register.

A maximum of three warnings would be given to the proprietor of the business, whereafter legal steps would be taken, including the possibility the revocation of the dealer’s licence.

“The register can be used against the dealer when they re-register their business,” Captain Lutchman explained.

Furthermore, second-hand dealers were encouraged to have their business certificates displayed and have a responsible person in store at all times.

Captain Lutchman said this was necessary to ensure second-hand dealers were legally operational and not purchasing stolen goods.

Second-hand dealers are encouraged to attend all Second-Hand Dealers Forum meetings every second month.

The forum consists of second-hand dealers and police officers from the FLASH.

The next meeting is set for October 21 at the Newcastle Club from 10am.