09/22/2026
We've talked about this before, but it's worth mentioning again. There are claims that we purposely buy stolen items, but that's not the whole case. We have purchased limited things we suspect might be stolen, and when that happens, we notify the police to help reunite the items with their rightful owners. We believe it's better to take these items in and try to find their owners rather than let them disappear forever. In fact, we turn down more than half of the offers we get from people trying to sell stuff on the street for various reasons. Only a tiny fraction of our inventory comes from random street sellers, and even then, we make sure to take their ID, snap a photo of the item, or already know who they are when we note the purchase. We also hold certain items for a while to see if any reports come up. Plus, we have plenty of cameras recording all transactions. Since we started, we've helped with dozens of arrests and have played a role in solving cases involving stolen goods.
As recent as last week, we made a small purchase and put the items set aside for a waiting period. A detective came in with a list of items that had been reported missing from a home. While the home owner's security footage didn’t provide a clear image of the suspect, I was able to recognize a couple items from the list and shared that with the detective. I suggested he take those items and return them to their rightful owner. Although it was only a small portion of what was stolen, at least they now had some information and a photo I took of the suspect to help with the arrest.
We also welcome anyone to call us and let us know if items do go missing, and we will keep an eye open for them if they come in. I tell the police all the time to let us know of certain items we should be aware of. One time someone posted online their place was broken into and listed the items. It was by chance I read it. The next day the thief came in asking if I was interested in one of the items. Long story short, the police were ready when he brought it in.
What we won't do is hand someone an item back unless they file a police report. I want the person who sold us stolen goods to be held responsible and get help for the reasons they may be stealing. Unfortunately, there are times when family and friends are the victims of the thieves, and they won't file a report. I strongly encourage people to file reports of items stolen no matter how small they may seem and do not assume you won’t see it again. Every year the police do a bike auction which are mostly bikes that were never reported missing or stolen. It’s not a complicated form and could help public safety with leads and arrests to larger situations.
I communicate explicitly to sellers that I work with law enforcement, and if I discover that I have purchased stolen goods, I will report them. However, I refuse to let a few dishonest individuals deter me from buying items, as the majority of transactions are legitimate from good people. Many sellers are simply downsizing, clearing out their homes, relocating, or upgrading their possessions, while others may need to raise funds for essential expenses for health, utilities, or other needs. Often knowing some of these individuals and the hardship they are facing I pay equal or more than what I would get for it to help them. You know those free piles of items people leave on the sidewalk after a tag sale. I get pickers grabbing those items and coming to me all the time. Most of our significant purchases occur off-site, often involving truckloads of items sourced from homes, barns, storage units, and similar locations.
It is impossible for me to prevent individuals from disparaging a business without having complete context. I cannot control those who may have been arrested or who choose to fabricate stories about the products offered. If someone trading a stolen item to someone they wish not to tell the police for their own safety, it's easier to say they sold it somewhere else, like a thrift shop. Additionally, I cannot stop those who troll and aim to spread negative claims simply because of my involvement in local government, viewing it as a chance to undermine me. Regardless of appearances or the narratives some may wish to create, there are valid reasons behind our purchasing decisions.
Also note we have a bunch of vendors who fill our shop with their unique products, along with a diverse team of employees ranging from teens to seniors. I’m not claiming to have everything figured out, but keeping this business open downtown for twenty-three years has been a challenge, and it still is. My family can vouch for the fact that I’m all in this venture, working around the clock every day because I genuinely love it and being a part of the community. Most of the small retailers I know understand we could be making more and working less doing something else. But we get to know the locals and visitors and connect people with one another, and often assist with local groups, fundraisers and causes as way to give back. That personal touch wouldn’t be possible if I just sold items online like so many others. Wishing you all the best!
Regards,
Keith Bona
