Pubs,clubs and restaurants are helping resale of stolen goods

More than 5.3 million Brits having purchased dodgy goods in licensed premises such as bars, pubs and restaurants with no questions asked. Spending an average of £289, Brits turning a blind eye has enabled a £1.5 billion contribution to the black market.

Research conducted amongst pubs from across the UK found that 14 per cent had experiences where employees encountered unlicensed traders on their premises in the last 12 months. Those found selling dodgy merchandise were ejected from the premises in 56 per cent of cases and barred in 23 per cent of instances. The survey conducted by Churchill Home Insurance also looked at the ethics and morals of people when it comes to buying goods that could have been stolen. More than one in ten (13 per cent) people said if they want something and the price is cheap enough they wouldn’t really care whether it was stolen. Ex-burglars interviewed as part of the study highlighted that they were able to sell on stolen goods incredibly easily in pubs because people don’t question where goods are coming from.

Brits admit to buying everything from cars to jewellery to football tickets in pubs across the country. Some have also admitted to purchasing live animals in pubs, which worryingly raises concerns for the animal welfare. The research revealed that illegal firearms, drugs and illegal documents were also purchased in pubs across the UK.

Martin Scott, head of Churchill Home Insurance, stated: “The desire to bag a bargain has created an environment where it is easy for burglars to dispose of stolen goods and the public may be unwittingly helping to perpetuate local crime. If something is offered at a cheap price in the pub, remember it could well be stolen and you could be prosecuted for handling stolen goods. We should all stop and think, if it’s too good to be true, it may well be stolen.”