Probably Stolen Security, Heat and Contraband Guide

How do stolen items, heat and contraband differ?

Sellers bring two kinds of risky merchandise to the counter: stolen goods and contraband. Stolen items are discounted based on their Heat, which makes them tempting flips but increases the chance that Station Security spots them during an inspection while Heat remains high. Unpermitted weapons, restricted chemicals and other contraband carry legal risk whenever an officer searches open storage.

If you are pursuing the Clean Hands achievement on the Steam achievements list, do not sell stolen goods or contraband at any point during the run.

Where can you hide risky stock during an inspection?

Open shelves, the counter and the display case are exposed when an officer inspects the shop. Use dedicated concealed storage instead:

• Smuggler Bay and Mini Smuggler Bay: These hide inventory from a routine search. Hotfix 1.0.0.1 fixed confiscation when a Smuggler Bay sat in the trash, or after a Mini Smuggler Bay had been kept behind the poster.
• Container nesting: The same hotfix stops you placing a Hypertech Storage Bay inside a Smuggler Bay. Size the hidden grid for the items themselves.
• Evidence: The Intimidating starting perk cuts crime evidence by 33%. +80 Lower Levels reputation unlocks Tight Lips, which lowers contraband evidence. Blabbermouth raises evidence gain and cuts faction gains.

How does Security reputation change inspections?

Your standing on the Security track in the factions panel changes how often and how hard the station polices your shop:

Security threshold	Reputation effect	At the shop
+100	VIP	No inspections or thieves
+60	Trusted	Lighter scrutiny
+40	Security Protection	Fewer thieves
−20 / −60	Watchlist / Most Wanted	Faster investigations
−80	No Stone Unturned	Strict inspectors
−100	No Quarter / By Any Means	Triggers the Framed ending

A Security case can end the run as Arrested (300–1,499 credits, or an unpaid fine) or Executed (1,500+ credits); see the endings guide.

When should you report wanted criminals or shoot Augs?

Check the person before you sound the alarm or fire:

• Wanted criminals: Compare visitors against the Wanted board before pressing the alarm. Reporting 10 criminals unlocks Snitches Get Riches, and the Model Citizen starting perk boosts Security by +30 and reporting rewards by +50%. Since 1.0.0.1, reporting Lou no longer lowers Black Market reputation.
• Augs: Visitors controlled by rogue AI are separate from ordinary criminals. Confirm suspected Augs with your inspection clues or an Aug Scanner before firing. Shooting 10 Augs earns Aug Hunter, while 1.0.0.2 prevents shooting Lou during any visit.