Report Suspected Stolen Goods in Perth - Bylaws

Business and Consumer Protection Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

In Perth, Western Australia, suspected stolen goods offered for sale by dealers should be reported promptly to preserve evidence and help enforcement. This guide explains which agencies to notify, the typical powers and sanctions applied at state and local levels, and the practical steps victims, witnesses and traders should take. Local council rangers may assist with bylaw complaints, but criminal investigations and regulatory licensing are handled by state agencies and police. Read the action steps below to know where to report, what to record and how to follow up.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement involves both criminal investigation and regulatory action: WA Police investigate offences such as receiving or dealing in stolen property, while state consumer regulators handle licence and record-keeping breaches by second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers. For reporting to police use the online reporting pages or contact your local station.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: seizure of goods, police charges and regulatory licence actions are possible; refer to enforcing agency guidance.
  • Enforcers: WA Police and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (Consumer Protection) are primary contacts; for local bylaw matters contact City of Perth ranger services.[2]
  • Appeals and reviews: court processes apply for criminal matters; administrative reviews may apply to regulatory decisions—time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: statutory defences or exemptions may apply under licensing rules or criminal law; check the regulator or police advice.
Report promptly to preserve receipts, serial numbers and witnesses.

Applications & Forms

Licensing, record-keeping and official complaint forms are managed by state regulators; specific forms for second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers are listed on the consumer protection pages or provided when applying for a licence. If no form is required for an initial complaint to police, use the police online reporting or local station contact procedure.[3]

Action Steps

  • Keep evidence: photographs, receipts, serial numbers and messages.
  • Report to WA Police via online report or your local station for criminal investigation.[1]
  • Notify DMIRS consumer protection about dealer licensing or record-keeping concerns.
  • Contact City of Perth ranger services for local compliance or immediate public-safety issues.
Record seller details and any receipts before leaving the premises.

FAQ

Who should I contact first if I suspect goods are stolen?
Contact WA Police to report suspected stolen property for criminal investigation; follow up with the state consumer regulator if the dealer appears to breach licensing or record rules.
Can the City of Perth seize goods from a dealer?
City rangers may address local bylaw breaches but seizure for criminal matters is primarily a police power; contact City of Perth to report local compliance concerns.
Do second-hand dealers need to keep records?
Yes, second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers are subject to state licensing and record-keeping obligations; consult the state consumer protection pages for licence requirements and obligations.

How-To

  1. Preserve evidence: photograph items, note serial numbers, keep receipts and record seller contact details.
  2. Report to WA Police using the online reporting portal or by calling your local police station so an investigation can begin.
  3. Report regulatory concerns about dealer licensing or record-keeping to the state consumer protection branch so licensing compliance can be reviewed.
  4. If the issue involves public safety or local bylaw breaches, notify City of Perth ranger services for local action.

Key Takeaways

  • Report suspected stolen goods to WA Police promptly to enable criminal investigation.
  • State regulators oversee second-hand dealer licences and record-keeping; lodge complaints with them for licensing breaches.
  • Contact City of Perth for local bylaw and ranger assistance when the issue affects the local community.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] WA Police - Report an incident
  2. [2] DMIRS - Second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers
  3. [3] City of Perth - Report a community safety issue

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