Saps advises citizens to report stolen goods and not buy them
JOBURG – The South African Police Service said that if a market for the sale of these goods does not exist and the thief is unable to sell the stolen or robbed goods he/she will not be attracted to an area and the negative impact they have on the lives of people in those areas will disappear.
The South African Police Service has warned against the buying of stolen goods as it is a punishable crime.
In a released statement, Saps said property crimes such as theft, housebreaking, shoplifting, handbag or cellular phone snatching and theft out of a motor vehicle leads to unnecessary suffering and impoverishment.
“Purchasing goods obtained in this illegal manner motivates criminals to repeat their actions. The best way to tackle this type of crime is to disrupt and dismantle the stolen goods market by making it impossible for a thief to sell the items that were stolen or robbed,” said Saps.
“If a market for the sale of these goods does not exist and the thief is unable to sell the stolen or robbed goods he/she will not be attracted to an area and the negative impact they have on the lives of people in those areas will disappear.
“Cooperation between the South African Police Service, the community and business, especially the second-hand goods industry, is essential in this regard. Any suspicious transaction(s) where goods are suspected to be stolen goods being offered for purchase, should immediately be reported to the South African Police Service.”
You can help the South African Police Service to arrest more thieves and buyers of stolen goods if you:
- Blow the whistle on stolen goods;
- Inform the authorities of illegal second-hand goods dealers/recyclers;
- Report copper cable theft to the authorities; and
- Provide the authorities with information on illegal activities and the whereabouts of criminals.
Anyone with information on criminal activities is encouraged to make use of the My SAPS app by downloading the app on any iPhone or Android device. Citizens may also utilise the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111. This contact centre may be accessed by calling 08600 10111 and is operational all day, every day.
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