Officers are warning the region’s shoppers not to spend their money on any items that have been stolen from a home or business. Selling on, or taking possession of stolen goods is known as resetting and police want to highlight to shoppers that buying stolen property is unacceptable as it helps fund further criminal activity.
In the coming weeks, officers will be liaising with second-hand retailers in Dumfries to identify any items that may have been obtained as a result of an acquisitive crime offence and to improve the information-sharing protocol between these businesses and Police Scotland. Visits will also be paid to markets and stalls in various regions to ensure all goods being sold have been lawfully procured for sale.
Detective Supt Catriona Henderson, who is leading this campaign, said: “While it is natural to look for the best deal when buying any product, it is not acceptable to view the purchase of stolen goods as a cheaper alternative to buying in-store or online. In fact, it is a criminal offence to knowingly take possession of any item that has been obtained by criminal means.
“Resetting stolen property is not a victimless crime. Often the things being stolen are from another member of the public’s home and were intended as a gift for a loved one or friend. Alternatively, they are taken from commercial businesses who then make claims on their insurance and have to raise their own prices as a result.
“What our investigations into resetting often find, is that those involved are part of a wider chain of organised crime and it is the profit made from selling stolen goods that then funds more significant criminal activity.
“Please only buy from reputable sources and if you are in any doubt whatsoever, do not make the purchase and notify police.”
