Joint operation clamps down on stolen goods purchases

THE pressure is on for sellers of stolen goods, as Brighton Beach SAP officers hit the streets to monitor sales and clamp down on irregularities.

On Tuesday, 8 July officers from Brighton Beach SAP second hand goods and media monitoring components partnered with Transnet Freight Rail and Eskom Distribution investigators to scrutinise second hand goods dealerships within the Brighton Beach policing area and ensure all dealers comply with the requirements in the Second Hands Goods Act, 6 of 2009 (the Act). They followed up the inspection by distributing brochures to make the public aware of the laws against buying or selling stolen property.

“Inspection of second hand goods dealers are conducted on a monthly basis by Warrant Officer Anton Van Der Merwe, with quarterly public meetings ensuring the dealers are updated with amendments to the Act. These types of unannounced operations afford us the opportunity to inspect items being purchased – ensuring they are not obtained illegally,” said Brighton Beach SAP communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux. Any premises found to be in contravention of section 32 read with section 2 (1) of the Act will be shut down and the people at fault will be arrested.

“Items obtained or sold illegally create a need and in turn become a crime generator. It is also a criminal offence to be in possession of stolen items or knowingly purchase a stolen item. We urge people to reject any offer of stolen items and to report such an individual making an offer.”

Anyone with information on second hand dealers buying or selling stolen items should report it to their local police station or the Crime Stop hotline on 08600-10111.

“Brighton Beach SAP welcomes partnership initiatives to combat crime within our policing area. We thank all role players for their active participation in this operation.”