Local second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers have been warned by Brakpan police to be more vigilant than ever, to ensure they do not buy or sell stolen goods.
Capt Joep Joubert, spokesperson for the Brakpan Police Station commander, told the Herald that if dealers are uncertain about an item brought in to their business for sale, they are welcome to contact the police.
“There have been a few incidents in which police have visited local second-hand dealers and confiscated items suspected of being stolen,” he said.
According to Joubert, Brakpan has seen an increase in young people pawning or selling items for drug money.
“They are usually between 18 and 25 years old and use the money to buy drugs,” he said.
“We urge second-hand dealers to take note of this and also to be wary of people coming in to the business to sell or pawn something just before closing time.”
Joubert can be contacted on 011 744 4940 for more information.
