Humberside Police stolen goods appeal for information got good response

POLICE have received an encouraging response following an appeal to the public for help shopping handlers of stolen property.

A dedicated phone line was set up this week so people can report anyone they feel may be receiving and selling ill-gotten gains.

Humberside Police's priority crime team believe targeting the handlers is key to disrupting the network of thieves operating on Hull's estates.

Detective Constable Andy Bradley is pleased with the response so far but is urging others to come forward with more information.

He said: "We have had a good response so far with a decent amount of information on those handling stolen goods.

"We are now working on firming much of that information up and taking it from there.

"But we still need more people to come forward and call in to our dedicated line.

"We will have someone manning that line from 7am to 10pm and people can leave a message outside of those times.

"We continue appeal for the public to get on board."

Humberside Police believe targeting handlers is an effective way of disrupting organised networks of thieves.

Detective Inspector Nicky Miller previously told the Mail: "We have got to target crime from different angles.

"The focus has been on the burglars themselves but now, by targeting the handlers we can reduce the amount of outlets available to sell on these stolen goods.

"This may deter some people from turning to crime in the first place."

Det Insp Miller warned handlers they will be caught as part of this latest blitz.

She said: "We are taking this very seriously and have two officers working full-time on this.

"I would warn handlers that it's only a matter of time before we catch you.

"There may be people out there who are willfully turning a blind eye to what is going on, but they must realise they could be targeted by thieves too."

Det Con Andy Bradley believes most of the goods are heading to residential areas, which makes it difficult to track.

He said: "We want to get the message across that we are deadly serious about this and need the public to get on board and help us.

"We believe the majority of stolen goods is heading to handlers on the estates."

"We are finding it difficult to really get into some of the estates and we need the help of residents.

"Some people may feel they don't want to grass someone up but they have to remember they could be victims next week and we won't have the information necessary to catch those involved."

The latest operation will also provide a clearer picture of what happens to items taken.

Det Con Bradley said: "Targeting handlers also gives us an opportunity to track where the stolen goods are going.

"It is possible the handlers are selling the good on out of the city.

"We believe there is a structure to all this with a network of handlers.

People are being urged to report anything they know, even if it seems trivial.

To report anything suspicious regarding handling stolen goods, call the dedicated phone line on 01482 340606 which will remain open for the foreseeable future.