A NEW police operation is to be launched to try to crack down on dodgy goods being sold in second-hand shops.

Operation Magpie will target all 60 of Pennine Division's second-hand dealers. It will involve those signing up to an official 'Code of Trading,' using new serialised books to record purchases and displaying Operation Magpie stickers in their window to deter thieves from even entering their premises.

The Code of Trading will require dealers to maintain a close liaison with the police and council officers, to ask for ID when approached by someone wanting to sell goods and to check any property they receive for signs that it may be stolen.

Meanwhile, the new serialised log books, provided by the police, will ensure dealers have a proper official record of transactions which can be inspected at any time by police officers.

Pennine Division Property Disposal Officer PC Paul Roden, explained: "Pennine Division is keen to fight crime on all fronts and that includes making life difficult for criminals to sell their stolen goods, particularly burglars who are already being targeted as part of Operation Firewall.

"Operation Magpie will assist us in that task by deterring thieves in the first place, because they will know that local shops are on alert and, secondly, by raising the risk of offenders being caught if they do choose to risk selling-on stolen goods.

"There are already quite strict rules which all second-hand dealers and pawn shops must adhere to and we already do a good deal of work in partnership with local outlets.

"However, this new system will ensure that all the shops in Pennine Division are working to the same standards and that paperwork and police checks are consistent."

Special Operation Magpie forms are now available at all local police stations.