Eight charged with receiving stolen goods

The public has been warned to exercise caution when purchasing items from street peddlers, as buyers can be held criminally liable if it is determined that the items were stolen. The warning was issued by the Public Information Officer of the Police Service, Sgt Wayne Mystar during yesterday’s daily briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain.

Mystar issued the warning following the arrest of eight persons from Curepe and Maloney on Monday night, who were charged for receiving stolen property. During the period 2 pm to 10 pm on June 11, an anti-crime initiative led by Insp Seecharan and Sgt Sinanan in the Tunapuna area led to an 18-year-old man being arrested for housebreaking and larceny.

Following his arrest, the suspect led police to the homes of people to whom he had sold the stolen electronics, which included cell phones, Game Boys, DVDs and other equipment. The eight were later arrested and charged with receiving stolen property. Mystar urged the public to exercise due care when purchasing items and to ensure they got a receipt.

Quoting from the Larceny Act, Chapter 11:12, Mystar read: “Any person who receives any property knowing the same to be stolen or obtained whatsoever under any circumstance which amounts to an indictable offence, is liable to imprisonment for up to ten years.” He urged shoppers “to do some background checks” before purchasing any item or they may end up possibly going to court to explain.