Buying stolen goods hurts the neighbourhood you live in

Organised criminal gangs are behind many thefts, selling the stolen items to fund their other crimes, such as large scale drug supply. It leads to a cycle of crime which damages local communities and causes people to feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood.

The stolen items are often sold via online market places, local online community pages or at car boot sales. If you’ve been offered a bargain that seems too good to be true, it could be stolen.

Think you know where stolen goods are being sold?

Your information, however small, could help keep your community safe. Tell Crimestoppers what you know 100% anonymously. We'll pass it on for you and no one will ever know that you spoke up.

Call free, any time, on 0800 555 111, or fill in our quick & secure online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

How to identify that goods for sale may be stolen

Here are some of the signs to look for that indicate an item may be stolen:

• Too good to be true prices.
• Security tags still in place, or evidence of tags being forcibly removed.
• Missing outer packaging, instruction manuals or chargers. 
• Tools and bikes with removed logos or painted over ID markers.

Clues that indicate a seller is handling stolen goods

Be vigilant and beware of sellers who demonstrate the following behaviours:

• Vague stories about how long they have owned the item or where it came from.
• Extreme pressure to close the deal there and then.
• No purchase receipt or other documentation can be provided. 
• Refusing to meet at a home address or safe public place.
• Demanding payment in cash, cryptocurrency or gift cards.

Buying from online and virtual market places

Whilst the majority of sellers are genuine, there are some things that indicate someone could be selling stolen goods: 

• Goods advertised with stock photos, not ones of the actual item.
• A seller with little feedback or feedback for only a handful of low value items. 
• A personal account offering a new item in a complete range of sizes/options.

If you have information about stolen goods and who’s selling them, you can contact Crimestoppers, 100% anonymously. 

If you have information, however small, tell our charity what you know. 

You can tell us:

• Information about planned thefts, burglaries, robberies or shoplifting.
• Descriptions or names of those involved in theft and/or selling stolen items. 
• Details of stolen items being sold, including when and where.
• Information about suspicious online seller profiles. 

Call free, any time, on 0800 555 111, or fill in our quick & secure online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

We pay cash rewards for information about theft and stolen goods

We pay up to £1,000 if the information you give to Crimestoppers leads to an arrest and charge. When you give your information, simply request a reward code - you can find out more here.