The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) estimates at least three in five items shoplifted from its members end up being sold online.

“The industrial scale of this is worrying and is definitely fuelled by the availability and expediency and lack of control in online marketplaces,” BIRA’s chief executive Andrew Goodacre says.

The NPCC told the BBC it wants owners of online marketplaces to take more steps to ensure people are unable to sell goods through their sites anonymously, and it would support the introduction of new laws to force platforms to verify a seller’s identity. The NPCC also advises bargain-hunting online shoppers to be cautious.

“If you see something that is a huge reduction or is cheaper than you could buy it in your local store then you’ve got to be questioning to yourself,” says Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman. “Think about what you’re doing and who you’re purchasing off. If you’re unsure report it to us and let us know.”

Facebook, eBay and Vinted told the BBC it is prohibited to sell stolen items on their platforms – and they work closely with law enforcement to support investigations.

The Home Office told the BBC it will continue to work with police to understand the routes used to sell stolen goods. It also said it would work with online marketplaces to inform what more can be done to tackle the stolen goods market.

In the run up to Christmas, Charlie Groves says shoplifting remains a “massive problem” for his Dorset garden centre business, when gift-related items can easily be sold online.

“It’s not the back of van anymore.”