Cash Converters
Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes: My non-controversial question without notice is directed to the Minister for Climate Change, representing the Minister for Police. Is the Minister aware that Cash Converters, Australia’s largest second-hand dealer, has been accused of thriving on people’s desperation and turning a blind eye to selling stolen goods? Is the Minister aware that drug addicts have predominantly relied upon the pawnbroking service to hock stolen goods and that staff at Cash Converters know customers are selling stolen goods for their drug addiction? In particular, is the Minister aware of studies that show a definite link between crime and pawnbrokers, and of a study by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research [BOCSAR] that found 50 per cent of people surveyed reported using legitimate businesses, including pawnbrokers, to sell stolen goods? Will the Minister for Police install undercover officers in Cash Converter stores as has been done in the United Kingdom in order to crack down on thieves and drug users and have the State’s law enforcement agencies target the pawnbroking market?
The Hon. John Robertson: I will refer the matter to the Minister for Police and I undertake to obtain an answer for the member.
Deferred answer
On 3 December 2009 Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes asked the Minister for Climate Change, representing the Minister for Police, a question without notice regarding the sale of stolen goods. The Minister for Police provided the following response:
I am advised that police are aware of the risk of stolen goods being sold through pawnbrokers and second hand goods dealers. These businesses are licensed and regulated by the NSW Office of Fair Trading. The NSW Police Force also has an oversight and enforcement role in these businesses. Police conduct both reactive and proactive investigations into the activities of licensed pawnbrokers and second hand goods dealers.
