The Royal Turks & Caicos Police are urging people to make the link between buying stolen goods and fuelling further crime, drug abuse and misery in their community. Officers say that the cheap deals on a watch, jewelry or mobile phone that persons may be offered on the street or at their door, has probably been taken through a local burglary, a theft or a robbery.
In some cases, criminals may have used or threatened violence to obtain the items they are offering for sale. Every criminal act leaves a victim, not only losing their valuables, but that person is left distressed and possibly emotionally scarred. Stolen items may have sentimental value and therefore will be sorely missed and irreplaceable.
Police say by refusing to buy goods that you suspect may have been stolen, you can help stem further crime, deprive drug users of cash and thus force them into rehabilitation. Criminals use money made from dealing drugs to live extravagant lifestyles and fund other serious crimes, such as armed robberies. Don’t become part of a crime ring, make the link and break the chain by refusing to buy stolen goods.
People are urged to report criminals selling stolen goods either directly to police on 941-3327 or anonymously through the independent charity Crime-Stoppers on 1-800-8477.
Please visit Crimestoppers website at www.crimestoppers.tc or our web site at www.tcipolice.tc or www.facebook.com/RTCIPF for more information.
