FRAUDULENT reports of stolen phones in Waltham Forest are being investigated by police who say they will crackdown on the crime.

Operation Neptune was set up to catch people selling stolen phones, and is currently bringing results in for the force, officers said.

The operation, known as the Safe Seller Scheme is a link between the police and traders who have signed up.

Shop keepers involved in the scheme must traders check the identity of individuals they buy from and check a national stolen property register before they buy items.

Safe Sellers will not buy stolen goods and anyone attempting to sell stolen items will be reported to and investigated.

Detective Inspector Marie Maguire from Waltham Forest CID said: "Any individuals found to make false allegations of theft to support a fraudulent insurance claim will be prosecuted.

“A dedicated team of officers regularly visit retailers and remind traders of their responsibilities under the Safe Seller Scheme.

"I appeal to the public, to be wary of anyone selling cut-price goods, especially if buying presents for birthdays or Christmas, these items could be proceeds of a burglary or theft.

“It is a criminal offence to buy or sell stolen goods anyone doing so will be liable to prosecution and, if convicted, could be sentenced to up to 14 years in prison."

In August a man attempted to sell his mobile phone at a second-hand goods retailer on Cameron Road, Seven Kings.

Staff completed checks required under the 'Safe Seller Scheme' and identified the phone as stolen.

The 29 year-old man from Waltham Forest voluntarily attended Leyton Police Station and was charged with the crime.

He failed to appear in court and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.