Interior Ministry: Beware of stolen items at pawnshops!

Criminologists: It is hard to prove this phenomenon

More than 300 pawnshops exist on Sofia’s territory. Some of the companies registered as owners run 10 or more outlets. "Pawnshops are a good business, but they have also suffered some losses at the time of crisis. One can find them anywhere, but like all commercial establishments, they are concentrated in crowded places, such as bus stations, train stations, etc.," sources from the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs (SDIA) commented for Klassa. SDIA also warned that people should be careful when buying items from pawnshops and be aware that there was always a risk. Stolen mobile phones and household appliances are usually offered under the counter. "The practice of offering stolen items outside of the shops (but again by people from the pawnbroker’s) is used because of the tight control on pawnshops on the part of the economic and criminal police. Unfortunately, it is hard to detect and prove this phenomenon,” criminologists from SDIA specified.

Lawyers: Compensation can be sought in court

"The general rule is that one cannot become the owner of a purchased item acquired through crime," lawyer Milen Ralchev commented for Klassa. He explained that whoever had bought an item from a pawnshop which was afterwards returned to the true owner, could seek compensation from the person who had sold it. If one fails to make an agreement with the pawnbroker, the customer can seek his rights in court.

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