Second hand traders in crime fighting pledge

Second hand goods traders across Rochdale are doing their bit to fight crime by pledging to combat the sale of stolen goods.

Traders from cash converter shops, pawn brokers and other second hand shops came together at Rochdale police station to sign a strict new protocol designed to make it harder for burglars to flog stolen goods.

The businesses have pledged to only buy from people who provide a valid photo ID and to take details of their name and address and keep it on record. They will also share relevant information with police.

The moves are part of Operation Bullion, which was launched by the police and council following a sharp rise in jewellery thefts.

While burglary overall has fallen by 32 per cent from 1,524 burglaries in 2010 to 1,038 last year, jewellery theft has shot up, with nine thefts involving jewellery in August last year climbing to 35 in November.

Sergeant Andrew Pilling of Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale Division, said: “While we have made great strides in reducing burglary in Rochdale over the last year, we would like to go even further.

“Many burglars see second hand shops as an easy way of getting rid of stolen goods quickly, and with the price of precious metals being so high at the moment, jewellery is a particularly attractive target for them.

“If we can cut off one of their main means of disposing of stolen goods, it makes it that bit harder for them to commit crime.”

Traders who are signed up to the scheme will display a certificate in the shop to show that they’re a responsible seller and those who are not yet on board will be visited by the police in the coming weeks.

Traders who turned up on the day were also reminded that if they knowingly handle stolen goods, they could face up to ten years in jail.