“Don’t buy stolen goods”

Second-hand goods law enforcement officer, Warrant Officer Van der Merwe and communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux joined forces with the management and tenants of the Hillside Mall and Bluff Towers to hand out 2,000 brochures, sponsored by ADT Security in a campaign against selling or buying stolen products.

“If you are selling or purchasing a stolen item you are committing a crime, and you are contributing to the circle of continuous criminal activities in your policing area,” said Capt Le Roux.
Brighton Beach SAP’s registered second-hand goods dealers are visited on a monthly basis by W/O Van Der Merwe who conducts onsite inspections to ensure business activities are conducted according to the Second-hand Goods Act.

Second-hand goods dealers who are found guilty of contravention of a regulation of the Act are liable for a sentence of up to 20 years, a fine or both. Any person guilty of buying stolen products is liable to imprisonment, a fine or both.

“Remember that people who sell stolen items do it for various reasons, such as drug or alcohol dependency; poverty and greed. By buying these items from them you help feed their dependency and habits. If you can see a person is poor or hungry rather offer to buy them something to eat than buy the stolen item. Buying stolen goods exposes you to imprisonment and possibly becoming jobless with a criminal record.”

Call Crime Stop on 08600-10111 if you know of anyone buying or selling stolen items. Brighton Beach SAP management thanks all role players in this campaign for creating awareness among businesses and residents.

– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za