Sutton Weaver man jailed for handling stolen goods

May 6 2008 Chester Chronicle

A 44-YEAR-old man has been convicted of 16 counts of handling stolen goods following a trial at Chester Crown Court.

Gary Mossman, of Station Road, Sutton Weaver, Cheshire, has started a two-year prison sentence for the crimes and will have to pay more than £2,000 compensation as well as the value of all the identified items he handled.

In returning 16 guilty verdicts, the jury decided Mossman knowingly bought and sold stolen goods in Vale Royal including bicycles, televisions, sit-on lawn mowers, digital cameras and sat nav systems.

DC Steve Holliwell, of Northwich Pro-Active Policing Team, said: “The guilty verdicts represent a good result for the investigation team and those who have suffered because of Mossman’s willingness to trade in stolen goods.

“For him to profit countless people have suffered through burglaries which targeted them in the place they had the right to feel safest – their homes.

“The conviction should also stand as a warning to others seeking to benefit financially from criminal behaviour. We have a team of dedicated officers who will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Lawless added: “I want everyone to be aware of the strict penalties for becoming involved in handling stolen goods.

“We are currently running a campaign to make people aware of the issues that surround the crime of handling.

“Anyone who buys goods knowing, suspecting, or turning a blind eye to the fact they might be stolen is giving the green light to others to commit crime.

“As a result thieves will break into people’s homes and cars, spreading misery as they go, because they know there is a market for the items they steal.

“We will simply not allow this crime to go unchallenged and anyone caught being involved in the handling of stolen goods will face prosecution and possibly even imprisonment.”

He added: “I would also advise everyone to make sure their property, particularly valuable items, is clearly marked as belonging to them. There are several ways of doing this and, although it can be time consuming, marked property is much easier to return to owners who have had the misfortune of becoming a victim of crime.”

For details of how to mark your property visit www.immobilise.com or ring 0845 458 0000 and ask to speak to a crime reduction advisor.