Web retailers eBay and Gumtree have vowed to cooperate with police after concerns were raised that goods stolen during the riots are being resold online.
A spokesman for eBay, cofirmed that the auction site, would be working with the police to identify and remove any goods which had been stolen during the riots.
“Our thoughts are with the businesses and communities affected by recent events in London and around the UK. eBay will cooperate fully with the investigating authorities to identify and remove any listings which are linked to criminal activity," he said.
UK classifieds site Gumtree, which is owned by eBay, promises to do the same. "We work closely with the police and will do everything we can to help them bring any criminals using our site in this way to justice," a spokeswoman said.
The alarm was raised after 40 brand new iPhone 4s, suspected to be stolen during the riots, turned up on London Craigslist
MSNBC reported that an ad appeared on the American-owned classifieds site which read:
"40 Apple iPhone 4′s 16GB – £320 (east)
All these iphones are brand new and sealed. They have not been open from box all are on 02 and come with a years warranty. I can sort out a discount if more than 3 are purchased."
However the seller was reportedly challenged and the post has since been removed.
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