Handling stolen goods
Handling stolen goods is dishonestly receiving goods, or helping to keep, move, sell or dispose of them, knowing or believing they are stolen, other than in the course of the original theft. It is triable either way and carries a maximum of 14 years' imprisonment.
Law checked as at 25 September 2026. Legal information only, not legal advice, and not a prediction of any sentence.
At a glance
| Also known as | Receiving stolen goods, Handling, Section 22 handling |
|---|---|
| The law | Theft Act 1968, section 22 |
| Where it is tried | either way. Cases can be tried in the magistrates' court or the Crown Court depending on seriousness, value and the defendant's choice. |
| Maximum penalty | 14 years' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine (Theft Act 1968, s.22(2)). In the magistrates' court the maximum for a single either-way offence is 12 months' imprisonment (Sentencing Act 2020, s.224). |
| Sentencing guideline | Sentencing Council: Handling stolen goods |
Maximum penalties are the most a court can impose for the worst cases. Most sentences are far lower, and the actual sentence depends on the facts, any guilty plea and the court's assessment.
What the prosecution must prove
- The goods were stolen at the time of the handling (including goods obtained by fraud or blackmail).
- The defendant handled them: received them, arranged to receive them, or undertook or helped in their retention, removal, disposal or sale by or for someone else, or arranged to do so.
- The handling was otherwise than in the course of the original stealing.
- The defendant knew or believed the goods were stolen; mere suspicion is not enough.
- The defendant acted dishonestly.
Defences and common issues
- The defendant did not know or believe the goods were stolen, even if they had suspicions.
- The defendant was not dishonest, for example they intended to return the goods to the owner or hand them to police.
- The goods were not stolen, or had stopped being stolen goods because they had been returned to lawful custody.
- The defendant was the thief and the handling was in the course of the theft (theft would be the correct charge).
Frequently asked questions
Is it a crime to buy something cheap that turns out to be stolen?
Not by itself. To be guilty of handling stolen goods you must know or believe the goods were stolen and act dishonestly. Buying something at a low price, or having a vague suspicion, is not enough on its own. But a very low price, a seller with no paperwork or odd circumstances can be used as evidence that you did believe the goods were stolen. If you later realise an item is stolen, keeping or selling it could become an offence.
Why is the maximum for handling higher than for theft?
Handling stolen goods has a maximum of 14 years' imprisonment, twice the 7-year maximum for theft. Parliament set it higher because people who receive and sell stolen property create a market that encourages theft, and professional handlers can be at the centre of organised crime. In practice, most handling sentences are far below the maximum and follow the Sentencing Council guideline, which looks at the value and type of goods and the offender's role.
What does knowing or believing goods are stolen mean?
Knowing means you were told by someone with first-hand knowledge, such as the thief, or you otherwise knew for certain. Believing means you had no substantial doubt that the goods were stolen, even if you were not certain. Suspicion, or deliberately not asking questions, is not the same as belief, although the jury or magistrates can consider the circumstances as evidence of what you actually believed. The prosecution must prove this to the criminal standard.
Can the thief also be charged with handling?
Handling must be otherwise than in the course of the stealing, so the original thief will normally be charged with theft. However, if the thief later helps someone else to sell or dispose of the goods, that can amount to handling. Prosecutors sometimes charge theft and handling as alternatives when it is unclear whether the defendant stole the goods or received them from someone else, and the court can convict of only one.
Do I have to answer police questions if I am arrested for handling stolen goods?
You do not have to answer police questions, and you have the right to free and independent legal advice at the police station at any time. However, in England and Wales a court may draw an adverse inference if you later rely on a fact in your defence that you could reasonably have mentioned in interview (Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, ss.34 to 38). Whether to answer questions, give a prepared statement or say 'no comment' is something a solicitor can advise on before the interview.
Official sources
Primary sources and official guidance on this topic, for anyone who wants to read the underlying rules directly.
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