Theft Act 1968, s 22(1)

Handling Stolen Goods

The statutory wording, points to prove, defences and penalty — verified against legislation.gov.uk (current revised versions, July 2026).

What the law says

A person handles stolen goods if (otherwise than in the course of the stealing) knowing or believing them to be stolen goods he dishonestly receives the goods, or dishonestly undertakes or assists in their retention, removal, disposal or realisation by or for the benefit of another person, or he arranges to do so.

CJS codes
Official CJS offence index (March 2026)
—Charged under the specific underlying offence code.

Points to prove

  • 1. otherwise than in the course of stealing
  • 2. knowing/believing goods to be stolen
  • 3. dishonestly received them or
  • 4. dishonestly undertook/assisted
  • 5. in the retention/removal/disposal/realisation of them
  • 6. arranged to do so
  • 7. by/for the benefit of another

Defences

  • Similarly, s 27(3)(b) allows the introduction of evidence of a previous conviction for theft or handling within five years of the present incident. In this case, a notice must be served on the defence seven days prior to use of the evidence in court.

Mode of trial & maximum penalty

Either way — Summary: 6/12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine; Indictment: 14 years' imprisonment

Reference only — verify against current legislation and force policy before charge. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Sources

  • Verified dataset — legislation.gov.uk (current revised versions)

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