POLICE are warning discount shoppers that a steal of a deal could cost much more than they bargained for if the goods turn out to be stolen.
Handling stolen goods is an offence that could carry a hefty fine or even a custodial sentence, Northwich’s top cop is warning.
Insp Paul Loughlin of the Northwich Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “If there’s a bargain on offer it’s hard to say no, especially if it’s a car stereo you can save a £100 on or a new plasma TV which is going for half- price or less.
“What a lot of people don’t realise is that handling stolen goods can incur a fine or even a jail term.
“And you can be sure the cash you hand over is helping fund things like drugs, gun crime, burglary – all the types of problems which devastate families and communities.”
Posters spelling out the message are going up across the town to help raise awareness of the facts.
The campaign is being supported with police operations aimed at tracing rightful owners of stolen recovered property and the identification of offenders who handle and supply stolen goods.
Information about crime can be passed to Cheshire Constabulary on 0845 458 0000.
