Don't buy stolen goods, police warn (From Watford Observer)

Don't buy stolen goods, police warn

12:24pm Friday 24th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Police have warned people not to buy goods ‘off the back of a lorry’ as it is fuelling criminality.

Officers this week executed warrants across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, arresting 12 people for burglaries and handling stolen goods.

Among those arrested was Anthony Bree, 28, of Honeycross Road, Hemel Hempstead, who is charged with three counts of handling stolen goods and one burglary in the High Street, Abbots Langley, on May 21, 2009.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Humphrey said: “These arrests send out a clear message to everyone that handling stolen goods is a criminal offence and there is no such thing as a ‘victimless crime’.

“You may think that you’re just getting a bargain but you need to remember that the laptop or video game that’s going cheap has more than likely been taken from someone’s home.

“This type of acquisitive crime fuels the illegal drugs trade, too, in terms of users stealing to fund their habits.

“If you’re buying stolen goods then you’re helping to create a market and encouraging crime on your own doorstep – as well as risking prosecution and a criminal record.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)