Cops issue warning over buying stolen goods

(CNS): Police are warning residents to be on the look out for stolen goods as a result of a number of electronic items being stolen from residential premises recently during a number of burglaries. Police urged people to call CrimeStoppers if they are offered  laptops, digital cameras or any other electronic equipment that seems like a great deal,  especially if it is missing things like chargers, otherwise they could find themselves or the wrong side of the law.

Head of CID, Superintendent Marlon Bodden, warnedpeople that if they end up buying stolen goods they could face charges, whereas reporting it instead could lead to a reward.

 “If you are offered a laptop or other item for sale which seems to be an especially good deal or is missing parts, such as chargers or instruction manuals, an alarm bell should start ringing. It could be that the item is stolen. If you buy it you will be handling stolen goods which, is an arrestable offence. If, on the other hand, you report it to Crime Stoppers and your information leads to the recovery of goods or an arrest – you could be entitled to up to one thousand dollars,” Bodden added.

Crime Stoppers Chairman Stuart Bostock said the scheme is a great way for people to pass on information while remaining anonymous. “All calls to Crime Stoppers are answered overseas and you do not have to give your name. Once you have passed on your information you are given a unique reference number and you can call back at any time for an update on the progress that has been made with your information. If an arrest has been made, or if property, drugs or firearms have been recovered you could received up to $1000 – which could buy you a brand new laptop!” Bostock explained.

Crime Stoppers can be reached on 800-8477 (TIPS) or residents can submit tips anonymously online at www.crimestoppers.ky. Tackling burglary remains a priority for the RCIPS and officers will continue to identify those responsible and bring them to justice before the court. Police said they are also asking residents to play their part in cutting crime by ensuing items are as secure as they can be.

Valuables should not be left on display or in vehicles and everyone should note the serial number and take photographs of the item to help police identify them should they be stolen. Owners of laptops and cell phones should also make full use of security measures such as passwords to help protect them should they be stolen.

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling Crime Stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.