Poll reveals one in 20 people would buy stolen goods

Stolen jewellery‏

A recent poll  has revealed that one in 20 people would buy stolen goods.

Over 2,000 people took part in the online survey to find out how honest the public of Greater Manchester would be if they were offered goods at a price that was too good to be true as today’s cheap deal could have been a part of yesterday’s crime.

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable, Garry Shewan, said: “While our figures show that five per cent of the public would purchase something if it was stolen we can’t ignore the 95 per cent that are honest law abiding citizens.

“It is important to remember that if that latest gadget was bought for a price that was too good to be true, then more than likely it has been stolen. Buying stolen goods not only undermines legitimate businesses in the area but fuels further crime, drug abuse and misery in the community.

“Everyone has a role to play in reducing crime by simply not buying the goods. Crushing the stolen goods market deprives a thief of his fortune and puts an end to theft.”

In the ‘morality’ survey, respondents were asked four questions to test how far they would go to obtain the latest gadgets.

One in six said that if they were offered something like the latest smartphone or hair straighteners at a price that was too good to be true, they would still buy the item.

The rationale they gave for this was ‘everything is so expensive these days, why would you turn down a great deal…as long as you’re getting a legit product.’ Some gave ‘low wages’ and the ‘cost of living’ as a reason.  

• 84 per cent still would not have made the purchase. 
• 58 per cent would walk away if they had concerns about where the goods had come from.
• 37 per cent of those taking part would question where the goods had come from.

Feedback was ‘if it’s too good to be true it, then it probably is’ and ‘I wouldn’t want anything to do with it if they knew goods had been obtained dishonestly.’

The consensus with most of the respondents on whether they would buy something if they knew for certain that it had been stolen was that ‘it’s the public who ultimately have to pay the price in the end’, ‘honest people losing goods that they have worked hard to buy’, and ‘it costs a lot for small businesses particularly when they are already struggling in the economic climate.’ Others supported the purchase of stolen goods and said; ‘no one cares for the little people, we need to care for ourselves’ and ‘because when you’re struggling financially it’s very easy to think about yourself.’

Of those that had taken part in the survey 91 per cent had thought about the impact of stolen goods on the community, such as the effect it has on small local businesses.

ACC Shewan added: “The festive period can be a time of struggle for many families particularly in current climate, but don’t forget the real price of your goods bought from the man at the pub, your door or betting shop may have come from a victim of crime.

“Some of these victims are the most vulnerable people in society and criminals may have used or threatened violence to obtain the items which will have been stolen because thieves know the cash value they hold.

“By refusing to buy goods you suspect are stolen you can help stem further crime and deprive drug users of cash. Help us break the chain by reporting your suspicions to police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Remember that anyone who receives stolen goods or assists a thief in its disposal is essentially fuelling further crime and is a criminal offence which holds a sentence of 14 years in prison.”

The survey supports a national campaign launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to raise awareness about handling stolen goods.