‘Bargain buys’ that are fuelling crime

Assistant chief constable Terry Sweeney with some of the most popular stolen items

OLDHAM residents are being urged to say no to knock-off goods in a bid to curb crime in their community.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched a campaign urging people to make the link between buying stolen goods and fuelling further crime and drug abuse.

Officers said that the bargain watch, sat-nav or mobile phone offered around the pub or at your door has probably been taken through local burglary, car crime or robbery.

Threats or violence may have been used to get it but in every case, it leaves a victim who has not only lost valuables but is left distressed and possibly emotionally scarred.

Criminals use money made from dealing drugs to live extravagant lifestyles and fund other serious crimes, such as armed robberies, protection rackets and prostitution.

By refusing to buy suspected stolen goods, residents can help stem further crime, deprive drug-users of cash, forcing them into rehabilitation.

The campaign features images of items that are most often targeted by thieves because they are valuable, portable and easy to sell on, such as laptops, sat-navs, watches and mobile phones.

Posters and postcards feature the slogan “Today’s bargain, yesterday’s burglary, car crime or robbery’.

All 10 local authorities in Greater Manchester, plus Warrington MBC and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are supporting the campaign through the Public Protection Partnership.

Assistant chief constable Terry Sweeney said: “We want people to stop and think before they snap up a bargain mobile phone, piece of jewellery or sat-nav ‘no questions asked’ in the pub.

“Who owned that piece of property yesterday and how does that victim feel today?

“Could you happily use it knowing that it was possibly taken with violence leaving its proper owner injured and frightened?

“That owner could easily have been someone in your family, circle of friends or a neighbour.

“Also you need to ask what will the money you hand over be used for and what longer-term effect will it have on your community.

“I am certain that the majority of people when they have thought this through will say, ‘No thanks’ and hopefully report the incident directly to us or if they prefer anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

Residents are urged to report criminals selling stolen goods either directly to police on 0161-872 5050 or to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.