Reader comments
Ownership hazy when it comes to 'hot' property

Ah... The sweet sounds of justice, government, and unfortunate events all colliding into one big mess where (surprise, surprise) the bad guy gets away once again...

It's good to know that our elected representatives like Rebecca Lockhart, R-Provo, are working overtime to keep citizens from interfering with pawnshops need to sell stolen goods quickly. This is effectively legislative permission for unfettered trafficking in stolen goods.

It is good to see that pawnshops get laws to protect their ability to funnel stolen goods quickly out of their stores. So here is a plan for all the pawnshop owners out there. Just find a family that is going on a 2+ week vacation, clear it out, and go to a pawnshop. If there is only a 10 day window, you are good to go. You can make money off of this stupid law. Good job Utah legislature. You have proven once again that common sense is less important than the interest of lobbyist.

Although I can understand you frustration,You are only
solving part of the problem. Why not require all second
hand dealers, consignment stores, and dropoff internet
shops to follow the same standards and requirements
that you are seeking for pawn shops? That would be a complete solution!

Look at old California legislation bill AB1178 by Pawnbrokers for Law Enforcement. Requiring all second hand dealers to electronically report. This would have been Self funding, as to not cost the tax payer or law enforcement. This would have required the biggest problem, EBAY, to report. It needs no new laws just enforcement of the laws on the books already in California. BUT poltics killed the bill so the citizens and law enforcement are the losers. You find a very small amount of stolen property in Pawnshops compared to fences and EBAY, and other second hand dealers that don't do the required reporting. When you talk with Law Enforcement, property crimes are not a priority over other areas of law enforcement, even though it sometimes leads to solving some violent crimes. Just think if everyone had to electronically report?