Police: Pawn shops, jewellers knowingly accept illegal goods

~ Roy calls for stringent regulations ~

PHILIPSBURG--Head of the Police Judicial Division Denise Jacobs says pawn shops and jewellers in St. Maarten knowingly accept illegal goods.

Her remarks sparked a call for more stringent measures to be placed on pawn shops and jewellers by amending the Unusual Financial Transaction Reporting Centre MOT regulations that regulate transactions at these establishments. The suggestion made by Democratic Party (DP) Member of Parliament (MP) Roy Marlin calls for having those who sell pieces of jewellery to pawn shops present identification, a home address and proof of registration in St. Maarten.

Jacobs made the disclosure during Monday's Central Committee meeting of Parliament on crime. Jacobs, Justice Minister Roland Duncan and Chief of Police Peter de Witte were on hand to answer questions posed by MPs at the meeting requested by National Alliance (NA) since August 30.

"We have information that many pawn shops receive illegal goods and they don't register properly and we also have information that jewellers accept questionable pieces of jewels from either pawn shops or thieves," said Jacobs.

The Judicial Division Head said that while there had been an increase in robberies this year compared to last year, the hike was due to "external influences."

"This means the police don't have direct influence on these matters such as the increase in gold value, more demand for jewels; and pawn shops and businesses are not following closing times and we are not investing enough in preventive measures," Jacobs said. "We believe this is a matter of demand and supply."

Both National Alliance Leader Member of Parliament (MP) William Marlin and Roy Marlin queried whether MOT was up and running.

Roy Marlin said MOT was a very important part of combating crime and had a reporting obligation for car dealers, jewellery stores and pawn shops. He asked whether MOT was in a position to start controls on pawn shops in St. Maarten. He also asked whether MOT's current regulations could be changed to stipulate that everyone who walks into a pawn shop to exchange gold for cash must have an identification card, be registered in St. Maarten, prove that they are living in St. Maarten and provide a home address.

"We are talking about the guy that walks up and grabs your chain ? we don't know if it's locals or foreigners ... but [there are-Ed.] people who walk into a pawn shop right now and exchange a piece of gold chain for cash, while this person has no legal residence in St. Maarten."

The DP MP also suggested that the Police Force could create a special unit to start controls on pawn shops. "Let's do that. I don't think we have to go over to re-inventing the wheel," he said.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/21051-police-pawn-shops-jewellers-knowingly-accept-illegal-goods-.html

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