First they raid me then it's Trade Me says burglary victim

Online trading takes place at internet speed, but when it comes to checking up on stolen goods, Trade Me prefers to wait it out in real time to hear from police.

The company's attitude angers Tama Gravenor, of Mt Albert, who spotted his unusual collection of DVDs for sale on the auction website a few days after his home was burgled.

He recognised one lot of 18 DVDs by their distinctive titles, including a movie imported from France.

Mr Gravenor said he placed a bid and obtained the man's name, phone number and bank account details, which were passed on to police.

The Herald has checked the seller's history and he deals mainly in cellphones - claiming to have sold more than 1000 on the auction site - as well as DVDs and computers.

Mr Gravenor said he contacted Trade Me with his suspicions but the company said it would wait to hear from police.

"I think [Trade Me] should take their own action and check their stuff ... rather than waiting for the police to do something because they're snowed under.

"I feel that Trade Me is profiting off criminals, basically. Whenever this guy finishes an auction, Trade Me will get 10 per cent of the take."

The Avondale CIB assigned the file for investigation last Thursday after inquiries by the Herald.

Detective Sergeant Glenn Baldwin said police had successfully prosecuted people caught selling stolen items on the auction site.

Police would usually act on complaints from people who identified their stolen property on Trade Me.

"It's another forum to advertise property for sale, much like newspapers and magazines. We live in the internet world and there's obviously numerous legitimate trades and sales on that website but unfortunately it's a site that is accessed by criminals also."

Mr Baldwin urged buyers to be aware that stolen property was put up for sale on the auction site and ask questions about the history of items.

Those who turned a blind eye to suspicious property might be guilty of a criminal offence themselves.

"If people buy stuff and do think it is stolen they are part of the black market."

Trade Me business manager Michael O'Donnell confirmed the company did not investigate complaints against sellers until it was contacted by police.

"We're not the person an offence has taken place against so we don't have the power to initiate something. We haven't been defrauded or had our goods stolen."

The company would provide details of the trader to police "immediately" if asked for them.

Mr O'Donnell said the company advised people who contacted Trade Me with concerns about stolen goods to go to police and lay a complaint.

"To us it would be very queer that somebody would go to the point of ringing us about stolen goods but then not going to the point of just ringing police."