EAST BRUNSWICK — The Township Council is discussing making pawnshops subject to the same regulations as jewelry stores and other businesses that purchase second-hand goods.
According to council officials, owners of pawnshops would have to ask the seller for identification before buying jewelry or other valuables. Also, owners will have to hold items for a specified number of days before they can be resold.
“This will obviously help greatly in deterring or even solving some crimes,” said Township Administrator John White at the June 22 council meeting.
He said police have researched regulations in other municipalities in the area and have found they have similar laws in place.
According to White, it is not only jewelry that thieves may be looking to sell at a quick return. Other items such as TVs and electronics are high on the list of stolen goods that are sold to vendors, he said.
White also noted that during the summer, when many residents are on vacation, home break-ins tend to increase.
Currently, jewelry stores are subject to these procedures, but police are asking that pawnshops be added to the list of businesses subject to regulation.
The proposed ordinance will discussed at the July 13 council meeting.