Stolen goods being sold online

Paintings stolen from Batersea found on Gumtree

Paintings valued at several thousand pounds have been recovered by police investigating their theft from an Arts centre in Battersea. The paintings were advertised for sale on the Gumtree website.

Police traced them to an address in Battersea and arrested the occupant for Handling Stolen Goods offences.

A 35yr old man is currently on bail in connection with the incident.

In a similar case Watches valued at £9000 were stolen from a business in Battersea and subsequently advertised for sale on E Bay.  The watches were recovered by police at an address in Croydon. The 20yr old occupier was arrested.

Users of internet auction sites need to be alert to the possibility of stolen goods being advertised for sale.

It is no defence in law to 'turn a blind eye' as prosecutions can be brought under the Theft and Proceeds of Crime Acts.

‘We will continue to robustly use technology to disrupt criminal activity and bring those to justice who think they sell stolen goods from the comfort of their homes. ‘

November 21, 2008