Stolen goods campaign spreads through Bluff

AN awareness campaign saw Brighton Beach SAP officers visit Bluff shopping centres on Monday, 10 March, educating shoppers on the prevalence of the sale of stolen items and warning them to refrain from buying such wares.

The campaign came about through a partnership with the police, ADT Security and local shopping centres, with brochures handed out. “The public is urged to reject and report any person offering them stolen goods. By purchasing stolen goods you create a market and encourage crime to be generated through your illegal purchases. If you are found to be in possession of stolen goods, whether buying, or selling, the value is taken into account when sentencing is passed,” said Brighton Beach SAP communications officer, Cpt Louise Le Roux.

Gold jewellery, electronics and branded clothing were noted as the most popular items stolen and sold out of hand. “I visit registered second-hand goods dealers within the Brighton Beach policing area on a monthly basis to ensure they adhere to the stipulations of the Second-Hand Goods Act. Observation operations are held on a continuous basis when there is reasonable suspicion that a registered dealer is contravening the stipulations of their SHG certificate,” said Brighton Beach SAP second hand goods law enforcement officer W/O Anton van der Merwe.

“My stern warning to all prospective second-hand goods dealers is that you may not conduct your business as a second-hand goods dealer without being registered in accordance with section (2) (1) of the Second-Hand Goods Act. In terms of section 32 read with section 2 (1), failing to register, prior to commencing a SHG business, a person may be issued with a fine and or a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison,” said W/O van der Merwe.

Anyone with information regarding the selling or purchasing of stolen goods within the Brighton Beach policing area, should contact W/O van der Merwe on 031-451-8070. All calls will remain anonymous.