‘Stop buying stolen goods’

The police have called on law-abiding citizens to stop buying stolen goods.

Spokesperson Lieutenant Sarah Lesabane warned this week that a buyer of stolen goods was as guilty as the thief.

“According to law they are both as guilty and harsh sentences will apply to both. Our message to all is refrain from buying stolen goods,” she said.

She said several people were arrested daily for possession of suspected stolen goods.

She said often criminals sold stolen goods to someone and later returned to steal the same goods.

All dealers at secondhand goods shops are urged to report all suspicious transactions to the police such as when the seller provides false details or when the being sold appears to have been tampered with,” she said.

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“Secondhand goods dealers and pawnbrokers do not only have to take reasonable steps to ensure that they do not buy stolen goods or goods that have been tampered with, but also have to be careful about who they buy goods from.

“If an unscrupulous dealer is found guilty, a court may impose a prison sentence of up to 10 years.”

She said South Africans could play their part in the fight against crime by not buying stolen goods.

To report any suspected criminal activity, call the police on 08600-10111.

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