When citizens purchase an item, they do not think they will become a victim of a theft or burglary. As a result the property is rarely itemized or logged into a household inventory. Victims are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system. Search and recovery procedures are confusing, vary from city to city, and are generally limited just to pawnbrokers. Pawnbrokers report transaction information to law enforcement daily. Victims of any crime are encouraged to contact local law enforcement to file a report.

Where to look if you have a robbery? Approximately 1/10 of 1 percent of all the items that come into a pawn shop are alleged to be stolen. That’s because we report all our transactions to local law enforcement on a regular, required basis. Try looking in such places as:

• Flea markets
• Second hand stores
• eBay and eBay drop off stores
• Craigslist
• Repair centers
• Gold/Silver buyers
• Wholesale jewelry buyers
• Collectible stores
• Used appliance/TV stores
• Used sporting goods
• Police property/recovery/evidence rooms
• Gun dealers
• Custom jewelry manufacturers
• Consignment/auction houses
• Antique shops
• Coin / jewelry stores