Police and trading standards officials are hitting Maidstone today in a crackdown against the sale of stolen or fraudulent goods.

Officers will be visiting second hand retailers in the town to offer advice and check that the correct procedures are being followed, to ensure that they are not selling on stolen property.

Sgt Ian Jones of the town centre neighbourhood team said: “To ensure the sale of second hand goods are legal and above board, second hand retailers are asked to comply with the Kent Act. This puts into place simple measures, such as taking addresses and other details when retailers buy second-hand items from members of the public, to ensure that these can be traced back, if needed.

"Anyone found to not be complying with the legislation will be advised of the consequences and repeated offences could result in fines or even criminal proceedings being sought. I would urge second-hand retailers to be careful about the goods they purchase and where they suspect illegal activity, to turn these customers away."

Today’s action is part of an ongoing series of checks that will be carried out in the town centre over the coming months.