Stolen goods from recent looting appear on online marketplaces, with thieves selling items for a third of their original price, according to a new study.
Stolen items appear online
Stolen goods from the October 17 looting have been found on online marketplaces Vinted and Leboncoin, according to recent reports. These items included clothing, perfumes, and cosmetics taken during the looting of stores. Platforms face government scrutiny
The government has summoned the online marketplaces to address the issue, while the platforms claim they enforce a "zero tolerance" policy against illegal activity. Study highlights rising trend
An Australian study published in the Journal of Criminology in 2025 shows that thieves are increasingly selling stolen goods online, often for around a third of the new price. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Western Australia and Edith Cowan University. Survey reveals increased online sales
The study surveyed 107 individuals in custody in Perth in August and September 2022. Among the 46 who had committed thefts in the year prior, 11% sold their stolen goods to strangers online, compared to 2% in a 2012 survey. Online sales are quick and easy
Five of the detainees sold items online, with four using Facebook Marketplace. They described the process as simple, rating it 9.8 out of 10 on average. Three out of five sold their items within 24 hours. Thieves use tactics to build trust
One individual said they usually receive a third of the item's original price and preferred online sales for higher profit. Another mentioned altering stolen phones and specifying the size and origin of clothing to build trust with buyers. Consumers advised to be cautious
Consumers are encouraged to be wary of items priced near a third of their original value. Checking the serial number on a bicycle's frame, for example, can help verify its authenticity.
