I say this admittedly post-chat with a Police Inspector after we got burgled, but when we asked where our stuff likely went, she reckoned all the local pawnshops and cash converters. She said most of the stuff in those places is nicked or flogged by people who have fallen on unfairly hard times, yet there is no legislation in place to govern them. It's also highly unclear who owns what if stolen goods do end up in there.

They're always next to bookies too, making me think they're also quick fix solutions for those who have gotten into a bit of bother.

So anyhow, the growth of these type of shops is pretty shocking it seems to me. Much like those daytime ads offering you help suing former employees or 24 hour loans (at rates of 1457%) and places that cash cheques in advance, we know that they're targeting those in unfortunate situations but society and government seems to just ignore them.

Do you think they're fundamentally wrong? Is there anything that can be done about them? Did you just get a Buffy box set from one at a mere £7?