Handling Stolen Goods

What is handling stolen goods?

A person handles stolen goods if, knowing or believing them to be stolen, they dishonestly receive the goods, or dishonestly help in their retention, removal, disposal or sale. Buying a phone at a fraction of its value, storing goods for a friend, or selling items online on someone else’s behalf can all lead to charges.

Knowledge or belief

The key issue is usually the accused’s state of mind. Suspicion is not enough. The prosecution must prove the accused knew or believed the goods were stolen. Price, circumstances of sale, and what was said at the time are all relevant.

Possession of property suspected of being stolen

A lesser offence under the Summary Offences Act 1966 applies where a person has property that may reasonably be suspected of being stolen and cannot give a satisfactory account of how they came by it.

Sentencing statistics

The figures below show how courts in Victoria have sentenced handling stolen goods charges. They come from the Sentencing Advisory Council’s SACStat database.

Magistrates’ Court

From 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2023, 13,871 charges (Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) s 88(1)) were sentenced in the Magistrates’ Court.

Where imprisonment was imposed, 87% of terms were under 12 months (most commonly under 3 months). The most common fine range was $500 to $1,000 (44% of 161 fines).

County and Supreme Courts

From 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2024, 549 charges (Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) s 88) were sentenced in the County and Supreme Courts.

Source: Sentencing Advisory Council (Victoria), SACStat: Handling stolen goods (Magistrates’ Court); SACStat: Handling stolen goods (higher courts). Figures restated and summarised by Tony Hannebery Lawyers; percentages may not total 100% due to rounding. The statistics describe past sentences across all cases and are a rough guide only. Your sentence will depend on the facts, your history and your personal circumstances.

Specific offences

Detailed guides to each charge, with what police must prove, maximum penalties, possible defences and sentencing statistics:

• Possessing Suspected Stolen Goods

How we can help

We examine the evidence of knowledge or belief, gather receipts and messages that support an innocent explanation, and negotiate for the lesser summary charge or a diversion outcome where appropriate.

This page is general information about Victorian law only and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Speak to us about your situation.