Cubby

[Al Swearengen]

I must be exuding the CUBby vibe again. Up at my storage shed (not just for serial killers anymore folks!) I got asked "Hey bro, want to buy a TV??"

Over the last couple of years this has been happening to me on a semi regular basis. Outside of supermarkets, pharmacies, even schools I've been approached by people wanting to sell me items.

I think I need to have a disclaimer "Only buys from reputable fences" printed on my bintang singlets.

Al

 

[Contrarian]

Yup, always amazes me how the hock shops are full of great goods but not the opp shops. Years ago when I lived in Vic Park - these thieves would hang around outside the pawn shops (no, not the porn shops) and engage in "kerbside retail" as well.

That's why I've always considered Cash and Carry-type carpark markets with suspicion - especially when it's CDs or tools.

One couple living in Saint James had their kids large trampoline stolen. A week later they got it back. How you ask?

They monitored the Quokka magazine (free to advertise) and saw their trampoline, went to see it - called the cops.

 

[Al Swearengen]

Yeah the hock shops are usually overpriced for what they are but even so. The op shops are still filled with stuff circa 1970s!

I've always viewed the cash and carry things with suspicion too.

The last time I got stopped by enterprising folk I was walking across a crosswalk at my local shopping centre when a couple of guys called me over to their van. They tried to sell me a $5000 theatre sound system for $1000. They got oversupplied and this one had been missed off their dispatch form so they were looking to sell it so they could have a big weekend!
Admirable cause. Shame I couldn't help them out with it

Al

 

[Contrarian]

I remember reading a feature story in the West a few years ago about crack and heroin addicts. Their pushers, instead of taking money, actually give them a shopping list virtually e.g. "Today I want a XXX brand sound system, gold jewellery etc in return for so many grams".

So the addicts go breaking, entering and robbing. Very vicious cycle.