>[!info] >[s. 88 Crimes Act](http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ca195882/s88.html "Handle Stolen Goods") — A **person** **handles stolen goods** if **knowing** or **believing** them to be stolen goods he dishonestly receives the goods or brings them into Victoria, or **dishonestly** undertakes or assists in bringing them into Victoria or in their retention, removal, disposal or realization by or for the benefit of another person, or if he arranges to do so. >[!success] >The Victorian Judicial College has a [Charge Book section](http://www.judicialcollege.vic.edu.au/eManuals/CCB/index.htm#5123.htm "Charge Book - Handle Stolen Goods") relating to this matter. # Example Bob goes to meet Billy down by the river where they exchange some goods. Whilst conducting the exchange, Billy mentions to Bob that what he is selling to him is stolen. Bob understands that and doesn't care and purchases the goods from Billy. Bob knew that the goods were stolen and took them anyway, therefore he is guilty of Handle Stolen Goods. # Power of Arrest [Section 459 of the Crimes Act.](http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ca195882/s459.html "Section 459 of the Crimes Act.") # Jurisdiction Indictable Offence Triable Summarily heard at the Magistrate's Court for offences up to $100,000. County Court for offences above $100,000. # Defences A reasonable belief that the goods were not stolen; e.g. purchasing a car that is stolen but the new owner had no knowledge of the fact that it was stolen. # Points of Proof 1. Identity 2. Handling Stolen Goods 3. Knew or Believed Stolen 4. Dishonestly # Charge The accused at **PLACE** on **DATE** did dishonestly **RECEIVE/BRING INTO VICTORIA/UNDERTAKE/ASSIST** in the **RETENTION/REMOVAL/DISPOSAL/REALISATION** of goods by or **ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER/ARRANGED TO DO SO, KNOWING/BELIEVING** the goods **LIST OF GOODS** to be stolen goods. |**Section**|**Text**| |---|---| |LEAP Code:|339A| |Offence Literal:|Handle/Receive/Retention Stolen Goods| |Offence Type:|Indictable Offence| |Jurisdiction:|State| |Law Type:|Act| |Act / Reg. No:|Crimes Act No.6231/1958| |Section/Clause:|88(1)|