Police campaign to show real cost of bent bargains

Stolen logo

Greater Manchester Police is today (Thursday 10 June 2010) launching a campaign urging people to make the link between buying stolen goods and fuelling further crime, drug abuse and misery in their community.

Officers say that the bargain watch, sat nav or mobile phone you may be offered in the pub, betting shop or at your door has probably been taken through a local burglary, car crime or robbery.

In some cases criminals may have used or threatened violence to get it. In every case it leaves a victim who has not only lost valuables but is left distressed and possibly emotionally scarred. Stolen items may have sentimental value and therefore be sorely missed and irreplaceable.

By refusing to buy goods they suspect may have been stolen people can help stem further crime, deprive drug users of cash and thus force them into rehabilitation.

Criminals use money made from dealing drugs to live extravagant lifestyles and fund other serious crimes such as armed robberies, protection rackets and prostitution.

The campaign features images of valuables that are most often targeted by thieves because they are valuable, portable and easy to sell on such as laptops, sat navs, watches and jewelry, mobile phones and MP3 players with the words ‘Today’s bargain, yesterday’s burglary, car crime or robbery’.

The posters and postcards go on to say: “ Buying stolen property fuels further crime, funds drug abuse, spreads misery and is illegal. Don’t become part of a crime ring – make the link and break the chain by refusing to buy stolen goods.”

All ten local authorities in Greater Manchester, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are supporting the campaign through the Public Protection Partnership.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said: “We want people to stop and think before they snap up a bargain mobile phone, piece of jewelry or sat nav ‘no questions asked ‘ in the pub.

“Who owned that piece of property yesterday and how does that victim feel today? Could you happily use it knowing that it was possibly taken with violence leaving its proper owner injured and frightened?

“That owner could easily have been someone in your family, circle of friends or a neighbour. Also you need to ask what will the money you hand over be used for and what longer-term effect will it have on your community.

“I am certain that the majority of people when they have thought this through will say ‘ no thanks’ and hopefully report the incident directly to us or if they prefer anonymously through Crimestoppers.

“We can then use this information to rid our communities of these callous criminals and save innocent people falling victim to these distressing crimes.” 

People are urged to report criminals selling stolen goods either directly to police on 0161 872 50 50 or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.