London pawnbrokers join police in fight against stolen goods

Two established London pawnbrokers have signed up The Metropolitan Police Service’s Safe Seller Scheme in order to tackle the sale of stolen second hand goods.

H&T Pawnbrokers and Fish Brothers, which have a combined 48 stores in the capital, are supporting the initiative, which aims to catch those who steal, possess, purchase or trade stolen second hand goods within London.

The Safe Seller Scheme allows second hand goods businesses who sign up access to a property database to enable them to check if an item is stolen or not prior to a sale occurring.

As part of the agreement, police are permitted to examine stock to ensure that stolen property is not purchased, resulting in customers having an increased confidence in their purchases.

Officers visit accredited safe sellers to check Officers check how they are doing while trying to sign up new ones. More than 1,000 second hand retailers across London are currently signed up and engaging in the scheme - established in 2013.

Detective Superintendent Neil Thompson of the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit, which manages the Safe Seller Scheme, said: “The Safe Seller Scheme is an effective initiative that helps us to make London’s high streets a hostile environment for both thieves and handlers of stolen goods. By devaluing stolen items, the operation will make this market secure and far less lucrative and difficult to operate in.

“We are committed to bringing together local authorities and private businesses in preventing crime and are delighted that H&T Pawnbrokers and Fish Brothers have joined the Safe Seller Scheme.”

John Nichols, chief executive of H&T Pawnbrokers, added: “We have been serving our customers and communities since 1897 and pride ourselves on being responsible, ethical and a business that people can trust. We have a long history of working closely with the police, as well as local businesses to ensure consumers are protected.”

Peter Coleman, director of Pawnbroking at Fish Brothers Group Ltd, also commented: “Fish Brothers Group Ltd, established since 1830, are pleased to be a member of the Safe Seller, Gold Standard across all our stores. We as a business know how important it is for customers to feel confident that the items they are selling are protected by the code of practice as set out under the Safe Seller, Gold Standard.”

Ray Perry, chief executive of the National Pawnbrokers Association, said: “We are delighted to endorse the Safe Seller scheme which demonstrates yet again the high level of professionalism and good customer service provided by National Pawnbrokers Association members across the capital”.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →