A clear example of Police and the community putting a prevention first model in action is how Hamilton officers are describing the arrest of one man who tried to pawn stolen goods to a second-hand dealer.
Constable Joe Pratt of the Hamilton Tactical Crime Unit said Police were called to a Cash Converters store in the City after staff became suspicious about two men who were trying to pawn an iPad.
"On arrival our officers were able to determine the iPad had been stolen in a burglary of a Massey St home a short time earlier and as a result of this information we carried out a search of a Lindsey Cres home.
"While at this address Police became suspicious about a number of items including a television. Because the serial number of this television had been loaded on an information database were quickly able to determine it had been stolen and a 19-year-old man was arrested."
Mr Pratt said this man now faces three charges for burglary and two of receiving stolen goods and the quick resolution was a direct result of the serial number being recorded.
"With the victim's property details recorded officers can quickly identify the items don't belong to our offenders, it might surprise a number of people that without being able to determine such fact Police often have to return items we believe have been stolen to offenders.
"Recording the serial numbers and photographs of your valuables is free and easy, simply log on to www.snap.org.nz and follow the simple steps to protect your property."
Mr Pratt said Police also had a message for offenders who thought it was easy to offload stolen goods through reputable second-hand dealers.
"Our staff are in regular contact with companies such as Cash Converters who do a really good job at promoting our crime prevention initiatives and we would like to suggest to those who derive their income from the proceeds of crimes such as burglary that this avenue of income is drying up."
People are warned that if they are offered deals that appear too good to be true- they probably are and buyers face the risk of being charged with receiving stolen goods.
"Receivers create the market for burglars to thrive in, if you are offered goods you believe are stolen, contact Police, or, if you don't feel comfortable with that you can leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."
For further information; contact Theresa Coleman of Cash Converters on 021 270 3112.
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