Stolen property Greymont
I was away from home between the 17 and 21 February. Whilst I was away someone headed straight for my garden storage and removed my lawnmower. As nothing else was tampered I do believe that this was not just a random theft but one with a specific purpose. On my return the following week my gardener reported that the same lawn mower was for sale in the pawn shop at the bottom of the hill - (opposite the vet in Milner Road).
Not being able to find my receipt for the lawn mower there was nothing much I could do apart from re-purchasing it. As I am not prepared to do so I have had to accept, as we all do these days, that my lawn mower has gone and nothing to be done.
I am posting this to suggest to anyone who has had things stolen to check out the same receiver of goods.
As far as I am aware pawn shops are legally obliged to ask for proof of ownership of items pawned or sold to them - am I correct?
Judith
The Police respond
Insp FH Meintjes of the Fairland Police responds to this case:
The person should open a case as the second hand dealer has a register where all details of the seller must be recorded.
The seller must be in possession of a valid and legal ID document.
In a case like this, the SAPS members were supposed to check the registers and if the complainant claims that the mower was hers and was stolen they should have confiscated the mower and kept it at the station until the case was finalised. The second hand dealers’ books are supposed to be inspected on a regular basis.
Stolen Lawnmower Greymont
Dear Inspector
I have been in this business for the last 7 years.
Thank you for educating the public as to how our books and trade works or should work. We can't treat every client as a criminal. I am working with a program known as Pawn Boss, where the system upon purchasing goods from clients, take a photo. A copy of client's ID is made, address and full names, details of the item, i.e. serial numbers is noted on the system. The system then makes a back-up of every customer, and all transactions that this specific customer may make now, in the future or in the past stays on record.
I find the system to be flawless and makes it easier for trade and inspection by SAPS.
Thank you again!
Andre Volschenk
Pawn Haven CC
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