Boynton police buy and return stolen guitar to widow

[The Straight Story]

Boynton police buy and return stolen guitar to widow
Employees pool $250 for pawn shop fee


BOYNTON BEACH "Daddy's Home." Well, at least his stolen Takamine acoustic guitar is back home, courtesy of Boynton Beach police.

It belonged to Joseph Belloise, who died a year ago at the age of 67, but it holds cherished memories for his widow, Francesca.

"He used to serenade me every day," she said. "My favorite song was 'Daddy's Home.' "

The treasured guitar was among several items taken from her home and car during break-ins about eight months ago, she said.

...

Brown tracked down the Takamine at Pawn World in Lake Worth, but the shop wanted $250 to part with the guitar. Sheridan took up a collection to buy back the stolen instrument.

Police officers and civilian employees pooled the $250 and the guitar was purchased and returned to a surprised Belloise on Thursday.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/boynton-beach/fl-green-beret-guitar-20110804,0,7726294.story

[Lint Head]

1. Is the pawn shop not responsible for accepting stolen goods?

That's called fencing. It's illegal. I know pawn shops here check items to see if they are stolen. At the point the pawn shop received the donated money they then knew the guitar was stolen and should have taken the loss then reported it to the police because they are potential victims of fraud.

[Bonhomme Richard]

2. My first thought. n/t

[snooper2]

3. I wonder what percentage of people here actually read the whole article?

23%, 14%?

[Pacifist Patriot]

5. We're talking Florida here. Explanation is in the article.

[DirkGently]

7. Article claims pawnshops can demand payment to return stolen goods in FL. Crazy.

[Shagbark Hickory]

8. floreeduh

[snooper2]

4. But according to some here they are just fucking pigs right?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1664688#1665790

[Pacifist Patriot]

6. I did find it interesting I clicked on this right after reading the post about ...

the cartoonist and the local police department. We are indeed a nation of great contrasts.

[progressoid]

10. +1

[RandiFan1290]

9. After all the Boynton cops recently arrested

for corruption and selling drugs, I guess they needed to buy some good publicity.