Stolen properties complicate second-hand businesses
Inspector Tony Wakelin
Auckland, June 25, 2018
Counties Manukau South Police have recently conducted checks on local second hand dealers in their area which covers premises from Takanini to Pukekohe.
Second-hand dealers are licensed under ‘The Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004.’
The Act requires the Dealer to obtain identification from the seller and to retain the goods for a period of 14 days before it can be on sold.
Police inspection
Police staff may carry out an inspection of the goods and books at any time to ensure the property is not stolen.
Whilst acknowledging that the Second-hand Dealers are a legitimate business and comply with their legal requirements, Police are aware that some stolen property does end up being sold to the Dealers.
Major frustration
One of our biggest frustrations is that at times we believe the property has been stolen, however we are unable to return the expensive items to owners as serial numbers are not recorded or the property is not engraved.
My staff reported finding shelves full of expensive Property including near new Television sets and Industrial tools that potentially may be stolen items.
Only a very small number of victims of burglary or theft record their serial numbers or engrave their valuable property.
The SNAP initiative
SNAP is an initiative of the New Zealand Police to prevent Burglary and to make it harder for criminals to sell goods.
SNAP is a free online asset where you can sign up and record details of your valuable items including serial numbers and photographs.
Only you can access this information.
If you are a victim of a Burglary, you can access the site and provide identification details of items stolen to Police.
This will help Police apprehend the offenders and return the items to you.
SNAP can be accessed at www.snap.org.nz
Suggestions for safety
Additionally, attractive items like business tools should be engraved with identifying marks such as your driver’s license number to enable Police to return the items to you.
I am encouraging everyone to take the time to record their serial numbers and engrave valuable items as it’s too late once your property has been stolen.
Further prevention advice can be obtained from your local Police or the police website
Inspector Tony Wakelin is Area Prevention Manager at Counties Manukau South.
(Picture Supplied)
