Category Archives: eBay

Crime, eBay, Fraud, Immobilise, Lost Property, NMPR, Police, Recipero, Report My Loss, Students, Uncategorized

Stumble Upon a Valuable? Know Your Next Move!

Have you ever stumbled upon a valuable item like a ring, bicycle, or mobile phone while out and about? It can be an exciting discovery, but what should you do next? Understanding the legal course of action when you find something of value is essential to ensure you act responsibly and ethically. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps and legal guidelines to follow when you find valuables in the UK.

Step 1: Report the Find

If you find a licence or document with an individual’s address on it, post it back to them. If there is no address but an issuing authority, such as a passport or blue badge, mail it back to the source. For anything else, visit your local police website – they all have links for reporting found property these days. They will ask questions about the find and offer further guidance and next steps.

Step 2: If the police don’t require a report

In situations where the police do not require a report for the found item, your next step involves several important actions to identify the owner:

Check for Identification Labels: Look for any visible markings that could help identify the owner. This includes Immobilise labels, which may feature a QR code or a barcoded serial number, indicating registration on the Immobilise national property register. Additionally, be on the lookout for other third-party marks or labels that might signify registration with a different service.

Visit Immobilise Website: If an Immobilise label is present, visit immobilise.com/search and enter the item’s details. This can help reconnect the item with its rightful owner while keeping their personal information confidential. Through this system, your contact details can be passed on to the owner if they are found.

Make Reasonable Enquiries: Independently of label checks, make reasonable efforts to find the owner. This could include asking people nearby, in offices, or shops, and considering leaving a note with your details. If the item was found on private property, such as a shop, pub, or workplace, inform the owner of the land or building.

Step 3: Where neither of the above applies

If you have exhausted the above, the law becomes a little complicated. If you have posted a notice anywhere or asked on local social media groups, we suggest you wait 90 days. If you haven’t heard from anyone after this time, you could consider selling it. However, UK law states that if the rightful owner can prove it’s theirs, you are liable to them for the proceeds, less reasonable storage costs for up to 6 years after the sale. However, this is unlikely to be an issue, mainly since the police process captures higher-value property.

CheckMEND, eBay, Mobile Phones

Staying Safe When Selling a Second-Hand Device Online

There’s a lot to love about selling on devices you no longer need. It’s better for the environment, it can boost your bank balance and you’re giving someone else the chance to get some enjoyment out of it, extending the lifetime of the device.

Selling your device privately – rather than trading it in or sending it to a recycler – could be a better option for you financially. There are plenty of second-hand marketplaces and auction sites available online for you to sell through. It might take a little bit more time though and it’s important to be savvy about who you’re selling to.

Let’s take a closer look at what you should consider when selling your device through an online marketplace.

1. Is the price right?

Your price needs to be competitive, without being so low that a buyer might question the legitimacy of the item. Take a look at other listings of the same model, in a similar condition, to see what a reasonable price might be. At this point, it’s also worth seeing how much a recycling site would offer you for the device, so you know whether it’s worth the extra time you’re putting in to sell the item instead.

2. Be a responsible seller

Remember that if you misrepresent the item, your buyer will be entitled to a full refund, so make sure you’re fair in your description of the item.

  • Does the phone switch on and work as it should?
  • Do the cameras and all of the buttons work?
  • Is the device still under warranty?
  • What physical condition is the item in – are there any scratches or cracks the buyer should be aware of?
  • What accessories are you including? Will you be selling it with the original charger, headphones etc?
  • Are the ports working, particularly the charging port?
  • How is the item’s battery health? (Not sure how to check? There are guides for both Apple and Android).

3. Who is your buyer?

Some online second-hand marketplaces have review systems in place so that users can rate their experience with a buyer/seller. Check your buyer’s ratings or reviews.

When it comes to payment, it would be best if your buyer paid via the marketplace’s official app, or PayPal (Goods and Services, not Family and Friends).

Also, as a side note to this, always stick to the selling platform for your messaging – don’t give out your phone number and don’t switch to texts or WhatsApp.

4. Offer a CheckMEND certificate

Trust is a two-way street. In the same way that you’ll be keen to sell to someone who seems trustworthy, any potential buyers will be vetting you too!

One way to build trust with potential buyers and reassure them that the item is being legitimately sold, is to display a CheckMEND certificate.

All you need in order to run a check is the IMEI number (for phones) or serial number (for all other devices).

By performing a real-time check against billions of records, the CheckMEND certificate gives a comprehensive picture of the device’s history, proving that the item is not fake or cloned, has not been reported as lost or stolen and is not subject to a settled insurance claim or being monitored by a corporation.

How to find an identifier >

Run a FREE check >

Find out more >

5. Take screenshots

Just in case anything goes wrong later down the line, keep a record of your listing, the buyer’s details, any message history and your transactions.

6. What to do when a sale goes wrong

If there is an issue with the sale, you should first try to resolve the problem with the buyer. Remember, if the item has been misrepresented, they are within their consumer rights to ask for a refund.

If there is anything you are unsure of, or you need more help with a problem, you can contact the Citizens Advice helpline in the UK or Fair Trading in Australia.

Bicycles, Crime, eBay, Immobilise, ImmobiTag, Lost Property, Mobile Phones, Police, Recipero, Report My Loss, Students, Uncategorized

1 in 5 Students fall victim to property crime

It may surprise you that according to the National Union of Students, as many as one in five students fall victim to property crime whilst at college or university. 

Thieves know that student residences are full of expensive gear; laptops, tablets, phones, bikes and cameras provide rich pickings. In fact, the average break-in costs £900 to repair the damage and replace belongings.

A lot of theft is opportunistic – a few simple steps can be enough to make thieves think twice and move on. 

  • When you go out, make sure all windows and doors are locked. It’s an obvious one but double-check!
  • Check windows for vulnerabilities. Make sure they’re robust, secure and fitted with locks. If they’re not, speak to your landlord or letting agent. 
  • Don’t advertise your valuables to thieves. Ensure your valuables are not visible through windows. 
  • Register your possessions at Immobilise.com. It’s FREE and provides the simplest way to return your property if found after loss or theft. 
  • Keep your gate shut and bolted at all times. Ensure bins don’t make it easy for burglars to climb over walls or fences. 
  • Simulate occupancy with light timers or products like a FakeTV. 
  • Get insurance. It is tempting to save money, but it’s a false economy. Make sure it covers all your stuff. 
  • Bikes should be kept in the school’s designated areas and secured with a D-lock to an immovable object such as a ground-mounted loop. Don’t forget to register the bike at Immobilise.com

Registering your property at Immobilise.com is FREE. You can register property irrespective of any 3rd party labelling used; it’s all accepted!

CheckMEND, CheckMEND USA, Crime, eBay, Fraud, Mobile Phones, Police

CheckMEND’s New Look

We thought it was about time CheckMEND had a revamp – we really like it and hope you do too!

The Recipero team have been working away on the new look behind the scenes for the last few months. The CheckMEND service remains the same as users are familiar with, while the design of the report has been simplified to make it easier to understand.

New users can claim a free device check report by registering an account, perfect for instances where someone is planning on buying a second-hand piece of tech and the seller doesn’t already have a CheckMEND certificate.

visit the checkmend site

We’re also really interested to hear about existing users’ past experiences with CheckMEND and have a survey open to all users, to help us to improve the service we offer.

Users who complete the 2-minute survey will be given 25% off checks until Friday 29th August 2022.

Take Survey
AssetWatch, Bicycles, Crime, eBay, Fraud, Immobilise, Immobilize, NMPR, Police, Recipero, Students, Uncategorized

Immobilise Awarded Loss Prevention Standard 1224

Immobilise is proud to have been awarded Loss Prevention Standard 1224. This is a secure asset register standard and Immobilise is the only register that supports all types of property, to hold this certification. Register bikes to blu-rays, golf clubs to games consoles at immobilise.com . Registration provides maximum protection from second-hand trade and visibility to police and insurers, all working together to reduce theft.

Loss Protection Certification Board Award

#ImmobiliseCrime #PropertyMarking #UKPolice #TooHotToHandle

AssetWatch, Bicycles, CheckMEND, ClaimsCheck, Crime, eBay, Immobilise, ImmobiTag, Lost Property, NMPR, Police, Recipero, Report My Loss, Students, Uncategorized

14.5 Million Bikes Bought Since Lockdowns Began!

Incredibly, around 14.5 million bikes worth £5 billion have been purchased since lockdowns began. Weekly cycling miles in the UK are estimated at more than one billion! It goes to show how accustomed we’ve become to two wheels for travel, leisure and exercise. What more can we do to protect one of our favourite possessions? Here is a must-read article for bike owners:

https://www.directline.com/cycling-insurance/magazine/how-to-prevent-your-bike-from-being-stolen

City Cyclist

#TooHotToHandle #StolenBikes #ImmobiliseCrime #PropertyMarking #UKPolice

Bicycles, CheckMEND, ClaimsCheck, Crime, eBay, Immobilise, Immobilize, NMPR, Police, Recipero, Students, Uncategorized

45 Bikes Stolen Every Hour!

 A recent study shows a fifth of the UK public considers their bicycles the most important possession they own, with 16% of purchases now costing over £500! While according to a leading insurer, 45 bikes are stolen every hour in the UK. If you haven’t managed to register yours on Immobilise.com yet, it would be wise and be sure to add the frame number, including any other marks you can find; it’s entirely free and only takes a few minutes.

45 bikes stolen every hour in the UK

#TooHotToHandle #StolenBikes #ImmobiliseCrime #PropertyMarking

Bicycles, CheckMEND, Crime, eBay, Immobilise, Immobilize, Lost Property, Mobile Phones, Police, Recipero, Report My Loss, Students, Uncategorized

Register New Gifts To Protect Them

Don’t forget to register any new gifts straight on to Immobilise.com.
Unfortunately, theft and burglaries tend to increase around the festive period. Logging your treasured items on immobilise.com creates a unique record of your ownership, meaning responsible traders will avoid them. At the same time, should police encounter your property, they will be able to identify it, giving you the best possible chance of getting your valuables back should the worst happen.

Register new gifts to protect them

#BeatTheBurglar #Christmas21 #PropertyMarking #ImmobiliseCrime #CrimePrevention #UKPolice

Bicycles, Crime, eBay, Immobilise, Police, Students, Uncategorized

Mountain Bikes Worth £8.5k Stolen From Sheds

Hampshire officers are appealing for information after the theft of mountain bikes worth £8,500 from outbuildings in the area.

TWO sheds and a garage were broken into in New Milton and Fordingbridge where mountain bikes were stolen worth a combined £8,500.

Police have launched an appeal for information on the raids which happened between 23rd and 28th November.

A Canyon Nerve mountain bike and a black-and-blue Canyon EXDCF worth £1,500 each were taken between 11pm on Tuesday 23rd November and 6am on Wednesday 24th November from Forest Oak Drive, New Milton

Then between 10.30pm and 5.30am overnight on 27th and 28th November, two bikes, including a black Bombtrack gravel cycle worth £3,500, were stolen from Hobart Road, New Milton.

On the same evening, between 11pm and 7am, two bikes including a black carbon fibre cycle with Campagnolo gears valued at £2,000 were taken from Station Road, Fordingbridge

Hampshire officers are appealing for information on the thefts and have asked residents to keep an eye out if they’re offered mountain bikes for sale.

Those with information about the bikes should contact police on 101 quoting the crime reference numbers: 44210472477 (Forest Oak Drive); 44210477726 (Hobart Road); or 44210477748 (Station Road).

https://www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/news/appeal-after-mountain-bikes-worth-8-500-stolen-in-new-milto-9228210/

Hampshire Police

If you own a bike, consider police crime prevention advice to:

– Ensure your bike is locked or anchored to an immovable point, even inside your shed or garage.

– Use a D-lock – anything less won’t do.

– If you use Strava or ride tracking apps, make sure your privacy settings are changed so that your start and endpoint aren’t shared; this is your home address and where you probably store your bike.

– Mark your bike by using a property or police-approved forensic marking solution only visible under ultraviolet light.

– Take pictures of the bike, as well as the bike frame number, as this can help police reunite you with your prized possessions if they are recovered.

– Register your bike for free using a property database such as www.immobilise.com

#TooHotToHandle #StolenBikes #ImmobiliseCrime #PropertyMarking #UKpolice #CrimePrevention

CheckMEND, CheckMEND USA, eBay, Immobilise, Immobilize, Mobile Phones, Police, Recipero, Students, Uncategorized

Bought Anything New & Shiny Recently?

If you’ve bagged a bargain or two during the sales, remember to register them on your Immobilise account. Every item you log creates a unique record of ownership that is instantly searchable by traders and the police helping to protect them. Most consumer electronics have a serial number and are easily logged in just a few minutes.

Most consumer electronics have serial numbers.

To log in and register an item or create a FREE account, please visit:
www.immobilise.com

#PropertyMarking #CrimePrevention #ImmobiliseCrime