Man admits stealing  £1,000 of potentially hazardous goods and selling them on Facebook Marketplace

Richard Champness, 33, of Clarke Way, pleaded guilty at Boston Magistrates’ Court to the charge of theft by finding after admitting to entering the yard of B&M Retail Ltd on the Quora Retail Park, Skegness on November 13 between the hours of midnight and 3.30am, stealing electrical items valued at £1,037.

Investigating officer, Skegness Neighbourhood Policing Team’s PC Lucy Hawley said: “He loaded items from a pallet into a store trolley and walked out of the yard, returning at approximately 3.30am to load more items into a trolley.

“He then admitted selling the items on Facebook Marketplace.

"During his interview he stated that he believed that this was ‘not theft’ as the items were in what he perceived to be a rubbish pile.

"He was informed that those items were the property of B&M Ltd and that they were being returned to B&M’s main depot – because a number of items were faulty.

“A quantity of items from the pallet were located at Champness’ home address and under listings found on his Facebook Marketplace selling profile.

“He showed no remorse over the incident and stated that he has done this for four years.”

In a statement, Lincolnshire Police said that, if sold and used, those items could pose a significant risk of fire or worse.

Chris Phillips, Crime Reduction Tactical Advisor said: “It is timely to warn members of the public about purchasing goods, particularly at this time of year.

"We all love a bargain, especially with times being as tough as they are, however it’s important to consider safety and potential hazards resulting from faulty or otherwise sub-standard goods.

"It’s important to thoroughly question the legitimacy of the seller and goods being sold. Sometimes deals really are too good to be true.”

Here are some practical safety tips for consumers buying goods from Facebook Marketplace or similar platforms, especially where there’s a risk that items may be stolen or faulty:

✅ 1. Research the seller

Check their profile: Look for a history of activity, reviews, and whether they have a verified account.

Avoid new or suspicious accounts: If the seller joined recently and has little to no history, proceed with caution.

✅ 2. Inspect the Item thoroughly

Ask for detailed photos: Request close-ups, serial numbers, and original packaging if possible.

Check for signs of tampering: Missing labels, scratched-off barcodes, or mismatched parts can indicate stolen or returned goods.

✅ 3. Verify ownership

Request proof of purchase: A receipt or invoice can help confirm legitimacy.

Cross-check serial numbers: For electronics or branded goods, verify with the manufacturer or official website.

✅ 4. Meet in safe locations

Choose public places: shopping centres, or somewhere out in the open is best.

Avoid home deliveries or secluded areas: These increase risk of scams or personal harm.

✅ 5. Use Secure Payment Methods

Avoid wire transfers or gift cards: These are common in scams.

Prefer cash or trusted payment apps: If using apps, ensure they offer buyer protection.

✅ 6. Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” deals

Unusually low prices: Often a red flag for stolen or defective items.

Urgency tactics: Sellers pushing for quick decisions may be hiding something.

✅ 7. Check Local Laws

Know your rights: In many regions, buying stolen goods—even unknowingly—can lead to legal trouble.

Report suspicious listings: Platforms often have tools to flag questionable items.

Champness is due to appear at Boston Magistrates’ Court on December 3 for sentencing.