Stolen Items Being Advertised For Sale Online
The police are advising the public to “exercise caution when considering purchasing brand name electronics advertised locally, at prices below their true value, as you may be purchasing an item linked to these breaks-ins or thefts.”
A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service Crime Unit is conducting investigations into a number of recent burglaries and thefts from several establishments across the island with numerous electronic devices, namely Apple brand products, including iPhones, AirPods, iPads and MacBook laptops having been stolen.
“Some of these items have then been advertised for sale at significantly reduced prices online, via various social media platforms.
“The Bermuda Police Service [BPS], wishes to advise the public to exercise caution when considering purchasing brand name electronics advertised locally, at prices below their true value, as you may be purchasing an item linked to these breaks-ins or thefts.
“As always, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“We urge that you adopt the following measures to protect against purchasing stolen items:
- Do not transfer funds to a seller’s account without physically seeing the item
- Request to see the serial number of the item, note that information and make inquiries
- Make a note of the media platform and the account holders information [name & telephone, etc.]
- Never meet seller in secluded or suspicious area to conduct any transactions
“Should you have any suspicions or concerns about the sale, the item being sold or, the individual selling the item, please report these to the police before you complete the transaction. Do not allow yourself to become a victim of financial crime.
“You should also be aware that under the Criminal Code Act 1907, ‘A person guilty of handling stolen goods shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 or to imprisonment for five years or both; and on conviction on indictment, to a fine of $150,000 or imprisonment for fourteen years, or both.’ you know.”
Here is an idea:
The BPS posts the description and the serial number (if any) of stolen goods online so consumers can check beforehand and avoid any confrontation with potential crooks. If there is a match, BPS can be anonymously notified who is selling.