Criminals who profit from the sale of stolen goods are the focus of a new campaign across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which is encouraging people to share information anonymously and help make their communities safer.
Led by the independent charity Crimestoppers, the campaign is raising awareness of the harm caused by buying, handling or selling stolen items and the impact this has on local communities, businesses and victims.
Key to the campaign is challenging the perception that buying knock-off, cheaper items is merely a harmless bargain.
Through community engagement, digital content and targeted promotional activity, the campaign will encourage residents to recognise the role that the sale and purchase of stolen goods play in supporting criminal activity and the harm it causes closer to home.
People may not always see the wider consequences of buying or selling stolen items, but it can have a lasting impact on victims who have lost far more than a valuable item. Personal information, photographs, contacts and access to essential services can all be affected, leaving people feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
Crimestoppers is urging anyone with information about stolen goods to speak up anonymously, whether they know where items are being stored, sold or distributed, or who is profiting from their sale.
The campaign also encourages people to think carefully before purchasing items being offered significantly below market value through social media platforms, online marketplaces, informal networks or other unofficial channels.
While a deal may appear attractive, it could involve stolen property and contribute to criminal gang activity that harms local businesses and communities. In some cases, goods may also be unsafe, counterfeit or not meet the standards consumers expect.
Residents are being encouraged to consider the wider impact of handling stolen goods and reminded that even a small piece of information could help. Details about where items are being sold, stored or advertised, information about vehicles, online profiles or frequent locations may all help build a clearer picture.
Contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
I have always wondered where the shops selling old
mobile phones get them from, there are so many in shop
windows not to mention all the second hand jewellery in
shop windows.
The island never used to have shops like this.
Personally I prefer to buy brand new, in the old days when there
was law and order it was well known not to buy things on the
cheap in case they had fell off the back of a lorry.
Nowdays the country is run differently.
Cycles cycle head on towards oncoming vehicles
along seafronts.
Teens use shop fronts has skateboard parks
M&S Newport is proof of that, saw a bunch yesterday
the funny thing was 1 real policeman and a female PCSO
walked by them DIDN’T STOP THEM, one gave them an High 5
and one said if you are asked to go, then go.
They were blocking a walkway and causing an obstruction to
motorists by the zebra crossing.
I couldn’t believe it! Too be honest I was surprised the
police said anything I expected them to walk in the opposite
direction.
How times have changed in 2026 Britain, back in the old
days they would have been moved on.
We seem to have lost control of the streets.
Where did it all go wrong!
It went wrong because no one cares anymore. Only have to look at who is in charge of the country.
I got scammed recently on Wightbay, believe it or not on what was supposed to be a free, yes FREE ITEM and got swiped for £190. Marked from Waterlooville then reposted from Wellow.
Then another/different advert popped up from Waterlooville 4-5 weeks later, yet another freebie. My arse!!
All got reported, but highlighting to islanders, only trust what is actually posted from the Island. Sellers, if you work across the water, sell when your on the island so there’s no confusion with your IP location, as wouldn’t want you to be tarnished by “A”hole rogues, in particular from Waterlooville (yes you know who are and probably don’t care).