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Security Classification:

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POLICY

Lost and Found Property

Policy owners Head of Joint Justice Services Command

Policy holder Head of Criminal Justice

Author Property Management and Vehicle Recovery Coordinator

Approved by

Legal Services N/A

Policy owner 22 January 2018

JJNCC Pending

Note: By signing the above you are authorising the policy for publication and are accepting responsibility for the policy on behalf of the Chief Constables

Publication date 5 February 2018

Review date 5 February 2021

APP checked Yes

College of Policing Code of Ethics checked

Yes

Note: Please send the original Policy with both signatures on it to the Norfolk CPU for the audit trail


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Index

1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 4 2. Lost property ............................................................................................... 5 3. Found Property ............................................................................................ 6 4. Theft by Finding ........................................................................................... 9 5. Property Claimed by the Loser before being placed at a Station ............... 10

6. Property from Sudden Deaths ................................................................... 10 7. Treasure Finds .......................................................................................... 10 8. Sea and Seashore Finds ........................................................................... 11 Appendix A: Lost and found property – front counter guide ............................. 12 9. Appendix B: Letter for insurance claims .................................................... 25

10. Appendix C: Lost and Found – Recording on the Electronic Property System (EPS) .................................................................................................. 26 11. Appendix D: Found Property (excluding pedal cycles – see Appendix E) . 27 12. Appendix E: Pedal Cycles ......................................................................... 28

Legal Basis

(Please list below the relevant legislation which is the legal basis for this policy). You must update this list with changes in legislation that are relevant to this policy and hyperlink directly to the legislation.

Legislation/Law specific to the subject of this policy document

Act (title and year)

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

Police (Conduct) Regulations 1999

Police Reform Act 2002

Police Property Act 1897 and Regulations

Magistrates Courts Act 1980

Theft Act 1968

Obscene Publications Act 1959

Firearms Act 1968

Prevention of Crime Act 1953

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

The Police (Retention and Disposal of Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2002

Treasure Act 1996

Other legislation/law which you must check this document against (required by law)

Act (title and year)

Human Rights Act 1998 (in particular A.14 – Prohibition of discrimination)

Equality Act 2010

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated Regulations

Data Protection Act 1998

Freedom Of Information Act 2000

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/60/contents

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/cy/uksi/1999/730/made?view=plain

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2002/30/contents

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/60-61/30/contents



http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/7-8/66/contents


https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/1-2/14/contents


http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/3049/made


http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/schedule/1/part/I/chapter/12



http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/




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Other Related Documents

Recovery and Disposal of Ballistic Items FPD

Firearms and Explosives Licencing FPD

Property Seized Subject to Enquiry FPD

Both Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies have in place a Business Continuity Plan to enable the continued function of Police Property Stores at their Tier 1 & 2 premises in the event of a business continuity scenario occurring


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1. Introduction

1.1 You must be able to show that your actions are justified and proportionate in seeking to achieve your aim(s). Additionally, you must always consider whether the proposed action is the least intrusive and damaging option used to achieve the aim(s). If you are in doubt you must consult a supervisor.

1.2 The Forces use an Electronic Property System (EPS) to record Lost and Found property and also seized Volume and Drug property. You should always clearly document the decision making processes and outcomes of actions. This is achieved by recording all property on the EPS.

1.3 The importance of accuracy and care in dealing with all types of property in Police possession is crucial.

1.4 All property coming into the possession of the Police must be dealt with attention to detail and with extreme care. Under no circumstances must property be left unsecured in an office or other location not designated for the storing of property.

1.5 The storage by the Police of property is inconvenient, costly and should be avoided wherever possible. It will be disposed of at the earliest opportunity.

1.6 To safeguard both property and personnel who handle it, the following fundamental principles will apply:

All property in Police possession will be kept in secure conditions.

When property passes possession from the custody of one clearly identified individual or store to another, the fact will be recorded on the EPS.

All property coming into Police possession will be appropriately handled according to its type and any Health and Safety considerations. For example, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders will be kept in an outside store.

All property coming into Police possession must be appropriately packaged with consideration given to whether the item has elements which can erode or degrade during retention, e.g. batteries.

Found property will only be released from Police possession to an owner upon satisfactory proof of ownership.

Found property will only be released from Police possession to a person authorised in writing by an acknowledged owner, or the registered finder, after a 28 day retention period has elapsed.

Prohibited items will not be returned.


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2. Lost property

2.1 If an item of property has been lost in a public area (e.g. road, beach, town) the loss will be recorded if it meets the criteria listed in Appendix A.

2.2 If an item of property has been lost on private property or public transport, it is recommended that, unless the item is of the type specified in Appendix A, the loser should contact the owner of the private premises or the public transport service provider as they will often have their own ‘Lost and Found’ procedures. Private property includes shops, pubs, clubs, leisure centres, taxis, coaches and schools.

2.3 Lost property reports will be recorded on the EPS for any item that poses a risk to the safety or security of the public, e.g.

Firearms, ammunition or explosives.

Other weapons.

Poisons or chemicals.

Prescription medication.

2.4 If the lost property is likely to be a danger to others, immediate action should be taken to minimise risk and locate the item.

This may include:

Creating a STORM event.

Bringing the matter to the attention of the CCR Inspector (Oscar 1).

Circulating information (PNC broadcast, local & social media).

In the case of reported losses of firearms, ammunition or explosives please also refer to the ‘Firearms and Explosives Licencing’ FPD as an offence may have occurred and there may be grounds to revoke the firearms licence / certificate.

2.5 Lost property reports will be recorded for electronic devices with internal memory and that may contain personal data, e.g. mobile telephones, digital cameras, laptops, portable music players, tablets, memory sticks, game consoles and other electronic items.

2.6 When a lost property report is taken, the EPS will be checked in case the item is already in Police possession.

2.7 If it is identified that a reported loss is in Police possession within ‘Volume Crime’, the reporting member of the public should be advised there is no record within the found property register but we do have an item matching the description in Police possession and the OIC will be notified to make contact with the owner.


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2.8 If it is identified the item of property has been handed in as ‘found’ the staff member dealing with the lost report will arrange for the item to be returned to a station where the owner can verify whether the item in question is theirs.

2.9 Should the caller request a reference number for insurance purposes, a letter can be downloaded from the Constabularies’ websites which explains that lost property is not a statutory responsibility of the Police and reports are not taken as they cannot be verified (see Appendix B).

2.10 Members of the public can also report lost property on the ‘Report My Loss’ website. Details of the lost item will be added to a Police approved, national website that can be viewed by the Police. This website is called the National Mobile Property Register (NMPR) and Police staff have access to this to allow them to search for reports of lost items.

2.11 Once the loss has been submitted, a lost property reference number is provided which can be used for insurance claims. This service can be used for almost any type of property with the exception of passports which must be reported to HM Passport Office – see Appendix A for further details.

3. Found Property

3.1 The Constabularies will only retain property reported as ‘found’ if it meets the criteria contained in this policy document; for example, there is a belief that the property may have been used in criminal activity (i.e. used in the commission of an offence or has been stolen and subsequently found), poses a danger to the public or where continued possession by the finder would be unlawful or is otherwise prohibited (see 3.2 and onwards below).

3.2 This policy recognises the fact that most members of the public would make reasonable attempts to reunite found property with lawful owners. These reasonable attempts include, but are not limited to, handing in property to a local business, advertising the discovery of the property in the area it was found (possibly via social media) or, if the owner can be identified, contacting them directly.

3.3 This policy also recognises that staff are trained in the use of the National Decision Model (NDM) and to recognise vulnerability. They are expected to apply this knowledge in making an assessment as to whether taking in property is the right thing to do. Where property has been accepted beyond that included in Appendix A, a record must be made in the relevant pocket book, day book or EPS.

3.4 If an item of property has been found on private property or public transport, it is recommended that, unless specified in Appendix A, the finder should contact the owner of the private premises or the public transport service provider as they will often have their own Lost and Found procedures. Private property includes but is not limited to shops, pubs, clubs, leisure centres, taxis, coaches and schools.

https://www.reportmyloss.com/uk/register

https://www.reportmyloss.com/uk/register

https://thenmpr.com/home


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3.5 In accordance with Data Protection principles:

No items that contain (or potentially contain) personal data will be retained or be eligible to be claimed by the finder.

For a list of such items see 2.5 above.

3.6 Schedule 1, section 7 of the Data Protection Act states:

“Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data AND against accidental loss, destruction of or damage to personal data”.

Property will not be retained or be eligible to be claimed by the finder when:

The continued possession of the item by the finder would be unlawful (e.g. firearms, drugs, explosives, offensive weapons etc.).

The item is reasonably believed to be evidence of an offence and the recovery of the item is necessary to prevent it being concealed, lost, disposed of, altered, damaged, destroyed and tampered with or to enable forensic examination.

The item is evidence of identity or may otherwise be used for fraudulent or other criminal purposes by the finder or any other person (e.g. credit / debit cards, DSS books, cheques etc.) and its retention by the Police is desirable in preventing the commission of criminal offences.

The item contains, or potentially contains, personal data (see 2.5 above).

The item is an official / confidential document, including one which purports to belong to a Government Department or the Armed Forces, whether UK or foreign.

Confidential personal documents which identify an individual.

3.7 Items that cannot be retained by the finder and will be accepted by the Police or returned to the issuing agency:

Any device with an internal memory that may contain personal data (see 2.5 above).

Firearms and ammunition (please also refer to ‘Firearms and Explosives Licensing’ FPD and ‘Recovery and Disposal of Ballistic Items’ FPD).

All cash (including postal orders more than £50.00 in value).

Items considered to be of high value (apply the NDM).


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Items confirmed or believed to be a controlled substance.

Bank cards, passports and driving licences (UK and Non UK).

Government documents.

Items believed to be evidence of an offence.

War medals.

For further examples and advice on procedures for dealing with items, see Appendix A.

3.8 Where circumstances dictate that an item of found property has to be taken into Police possession, a ‘found property’ or a ‘volume crime’ entry will be created on the EPS by the Officer or staff member taking receipt of the property. When records are created, staff should be mindful of the requirement to include as much relevant detail as possible, as per Appendix C.

3.9 Officers and staff are reminded that responsibility for conducting enquiries into found property remains with the Officer or staff member taking receipt of that property. The NMPR, Athena and EPS are all tools which can be used to ascertain whether a lost / stolen report has been made.

3.10 Where items are accepted and there are no other requirements to immediately return the item to an originating organisation, and provided the item is not prohibited, reasonable attempts will be made to identify the lawful owner before returning the items to the originating organisation, or arranging disposal.

3.11 To safeguard both property and the personnel who deal with it, the following principles will be observed:

All property coming into Police possession will be handled with extreme care.

Under no circumstances will property be left in any office or open space, unaccounted for.

Property will only be released from Police possession to a claimant on satisfactory proof of ownership.

When property passes from Police possession a receipt will be gained in all circumstances. Item detail sheets from the EPS provide the facility for this receipt.

Consideration must be given to appropriate storage for items of a particularly sensitive, valuable or delicate nature, e.g. IT equipment, mobile phones, paintings, glass, jewellery etc.


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It should be noted that Police Officers, Special Constables and PCSOs are prohibited from retaining or making a claim on any item of found property, whether found on or off duty.

3.12 Calls concerning lost and found property will be directed to Station Clerks

or Public Enquiry Officers, as appropriate, unless it is obvious from the outset that an immediate response is necessary when the call should be placed into the CCR.

3.13 Items that will no longer be accepted / collected or recorded as found property include, but are not limited to:

Items of low value with no identifying marks.

Bicycles, pushchairs, televisions and gardening equipment.

Personal items such as spectacles, hearing aids and umbrellas.

Animals.

Used or soiled clothing.

Perishable goods.

General rubbish.

For further examples, see Appendix A.

3.14 If a caller reports an item apparently abandoned:

in a public place, and

in circumstances that do not give grounds to believe the item has been stolen and then abandoned, and

is of little or no value

they should be advised to contact their Local Authority and report the matter as litter. Section 130 of the Highways Act 1980, Section 6 Refuse Disposal Act and Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 supports the requirement for relevant authorities to assist in these matters.

4. Theft by Finding

4.1 Theft by finding occurs when someone who chances upon an object which seems abandoned takes possession of the object, but fails to take steps to establish whether the object is abandoned and not merely lost or unattended.

4.2 If the owner has renounced all property rights to the object then the property is abandoned. The finder of lost property acquires a possessory

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/66/section/130

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1978/3

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1978/3

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/section/33


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right by taking physical control of the property, but does not necessarily have ownership of the property. The finder must take reasonable steps to locate the owner or return to the issuing agency.

4.3 If, having made reasonable enquiries, the finder has not been able to trace the owner, they may treat the item as their own after 28 days (see exceptions below) and keep or dispose of it as they wish.

However, the original owner never loses entitlement to the property so that, if this person does come forward at any time in the future, then the property (or its value) must be returned to them. The original owner may have a claim in civil law in the event of any dispute.

4.4 Under no circumstances will finders will be entitled to retain or claim ownership of a found item if:

It contains personal data (see 2.5 above).

It is an official document issued by a Government Agency, Statutory Authority or bank (e.g. bank card, store card).

Continued possession would be an offence, (e.g. firearms, drugs, explosives, offensive weapons).

The item is reasonably believed to be evidence of an offence.

The item is a war medal.

5. Property Claimed by the Loser before being placed at a Station

5.1 Officers in possession of property handed to them in the street which is claimed by the loser before being taken back to a Police station will undertake the following:

Satisfy themselves the claim is genuine.

Make an appropriate pocket note book entry.

Obtain the full name and address of the claimant together with a signature.

6. Property from Sudden Deaths

6.1 Under no circumstances should property recovered from the scene of a sudden death be booked in as found property. All items should be booked in as Volume or Drug items – refer to the ‘Property Seized Subject to Enquiry’ and the ‘Death Investigations’ FPDs for further guidance.

7. Treasure Finds

7.1 Treasure remains the property of the Crown and finders must report treasure to the local Coroner within 14 days of finding it. If a finder fails to


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report without a reasonable excuse they will be committing a criminal offence. For more information go to www.gov.uk/treasure

8. Sea and Seashore Finds

8.1 Property found in the sea or on the seashore could be from a ship and is known as ‘wreck’. The type of materials which should be reported include portholes, bells, plates, compasses, fixtures and fittings, bundles of wood, hatch covers, historical and archaeological material such as medieval pots, gold coins, cannon etc. Finds must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck.

8.2 For more information go to:

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency

http://www.gov.uk/treasure

http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency


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Appendix A: Lost and found property – front counter guide

For all lost property reports, if there is any indication that the item(s) may have been stolen rather than lost, normal crime recording procedures should be followed.

Whilst the onus is upon the finder to reunite property with its lawful owner, it is accepted that it may be appropriate, on occasion, to accept found property that has been brought to a Police station, as indicated in this FPD, or by the application of THRIVE or NDM by the staff member taking the report.

The receipt from the EPS that is handed or posted to the finder contains relevant details of the way in which the finder may make a claim for the property. No further communication with the finder is therefore required.

Property shall only be returned to the finder (or finder’s agent) on production of the detail receipt from the EPS. If a finder is unable to produce this receipt, proof of identity to the satisfaction of the Officer dealing must be produced before the property is handed over.

On handing over the property, the recipient is required to sign a copy of the found property detail sheet in the designated area at the bottom of the form.

Where the finder / owner resides some distance from the station of storage and we are unable to transfer the item to another station within the force, the property may be returned by general post following a claim by the finder / owner to have it returned to them. Items deemed to be worth £50 or more will be sent by registered post. Before the item can be posted, the finder / owner must submit to the relevant property office the appropriate postage amount for payment to the Constabulary, and only when that is received and funds have cleared will the item be dispatched.

Finders claiming property will be reminded that, if a loser comes forward, the property will have to be surrendered and brought back to the Station.

When property is not claimed within 28 days and the owner cannot be traced, where appropriate it will be sold by public auction and the proceeds paid into the Constabulary General Account Receipts fund. Property Staff and other designated staff are responsible for regular disposal of found property. They will be responsible for arranging movement of property to public auction, subsequent receipt and receipt of income for the sales.

Upon receipt of income, Property Staff and designated staff will complete the disposal records of items sold and hand the account and monies to CPC Station Admin for banking.

The original receipt for the items and copy of the account will be retained for 6 years.


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ITEM LOST FOUND CAN FINDER CLAIM

Y/N

Bag with mixed

contents

(including rucksacks,

sports holdalls,

wallets and purses)

DO NOT RECORD ON THE PROPERTY SYSTEM

UNLESS IDENTIFICATION, CASH, MOBILE PHONE

OR OTHER DEVICE CONTAINED WITHIN

DO NOT ACCEPT OR RECORD UNLESS

IDENTIFICATION, CASH, MOBILE PHONE OR

OTHER DEVICE CONTAINED WITHIN

Items within the bag must be itemised

separately under the EPS Header

including any cash.

Attempts should be made to reunite the

property with the owner using any

identification inside.

If no owner identified within 28 days the

items may be disposed of appropriately

(see next column).

Yes – except if there

are items which

identify owners or

contain personal data

or are otherwise

prohibited.

Bank Cards / Debit

Cards


Advise loser to report to their bank / financial

institution immediately.

IF NDM OR THRIVE ASSESSMENT SUGGESTS

RETENTION ACCEPT AND RECORD ON

PROPERTY SYSTEM

Return to the issuing bank by following the

instructions on the back of the card.

No

Ballistic Items

(including firearms,

ammunition and air

weapons)

RECORD ON THE PROPERTY SYSTEM

Create a STORM event

Inform local Police supervisor

Escalate to CCR Inspector (Oscar 1) if

appropriate

ACCEPT AND RECORD ON PROPERTY

SYSTEM

Found or surrendered ballistic items will

be dealt with in accordance with the

Recovery and Disposal of Ballistic Items

FPD.

Items must be placed in an armoury or

gun cabinet.

Disposals will be dealt with as

expeditiously as possible

No


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Y/N

Birth / Marriage /

Death Certificate

DO NOT RECORD ON PROPERTY SYSTEM

Advise loser to contact local registry office


SYSTEM

Return to the appropriate registry office.

No

Cash (including

postal orders, giros,

savings certificates

etc.)


Advise loser to contact issuing authority

Check Property System for reports of found

cash items.


SYSTEM IF OVER £50

All cash over £50 is to be accepted and

denominations to be recorded on the

Property System.

Unclaimed cash should be banked by

local Administrators.

All Postal Orders – endorse the order

with ‘CANCELLED – FOUND’ and return

to: Postal Order Sub Group, Financial

Accounts Department, 1 Future Walk,

West Bars, Chesterfield S49 1PF. The

finders name and address is to be

included.

Giro Warrant – The National Giro Centre,

Bootle, Merseyside shall be notified of any

Giro Warrant found. The Warrant number,

account number, value and date of finding

must be quoted. Upon receipt of the name

of the owner from the above enquiry the

warrant will be returned to Santander,

Bridle Road, Bootle, Merseyside L30 4GB.

Savings and Premium Bonds – Found

Cash – Yes after a

minimum of 28 days,

everything else No.


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Y/N

certificates and bonds can be returned to

National Savings and Investments (NS&I),

Glasgow G58 1SB.

Cheque Book


Advise loser to report to bank / financial

institution immediately.

IF NDM OR THRIVE ASSESSMENT SUGGESTS

RETENTION ACCEPT AND RECORD ON

PROPERTY SYSTEM

Follow instructions on the back of the

book and return to issuing bank.

No

Cycles


Consider circumstances / condition/value of the

cycle.

Consider whether there are any identification

markers on the bike e.g. a postcode.

May be appropriate to treat as a Crime.

Advise public to register on the National Bike

Register Website


SYSTEM ONLY AS FOLLOWS:

If a member of the public calls into the

CCR to report a Found bike, make

enquiries with them to try and establish if

there are any identifying markers e.g. a

postcode, or whether the bike is

potentially valuable.

If as a result of enquiries you suspect the

cycle is subject of crime the bike will have

to be taken into Police possession and

record as Volume Crime not Found on the

EPS

An OIC will have to be allocated and an

investigation opened on Athena.

If the bike is not suspected of being the

subject of crime but is displaying

identification markers such as a postcode

or is clearly valuable record on the EPS as

Yes if Found, Retained

by Finder and 28 days

elapse with no owner

coming forward


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Y/N

a found bike, ask the finder to retain it for

28 days, take their full contact details and

update the location to ‘Retained By Finder’

Check National Bike Register, EPS and

Athena for reports.

DO NOT ACCEPT AND DO NOT RECORD

If the circumstances indicate it has been

abandoned i.e. fly tipping. Advise finder to report it

to the Local Authority for disposal.

Dogs


Advise loser to contact local council dog

warden.

Recommend the loser records their loss on

www.doglost.co.uk

DO NOT ACCEPT AND DO NOT RECORD

Advise finder to contact local council dog

warden. Dog should remain in the

possession of the finder until collection by

the warden.

The finder may wish to check whether dog

is reported lost www.doglost.co.uk

N/A

Drugs (controlled

substances,

medication)


Consider circumstances. Is there a danger to

the public?

Is immediate Police action required? Refer to

supervisor or CCR Inspector (Oscar 1).


SYSTEM

Record as FOUND item unless item is

suspected to be the subject of a crime

then record as a DRUG item and

investigate accordingly

MUST be taken into Police possession

and placed in designated drugs safe.

No

Explosives, Poisons,

toxins or other


Create a STORM event


SYSTEM

No

http://www.doglost.co.uk/

http://www.doglost.co.uk/


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Y/N

dangerous

chemicals

Inform local Police supervisor. Escalate to CCR

Inspector (Oscar 1) if appropriate

Also refer to appropriate FPD’s on Firearms.

If bought to the Police station – item must

be immediately placed in appropriate

external storage, if safe to move.

If substance is known obtain

Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet from the

internet and attach to the item.

Make arrangements for immediate

disposal.

For advice, contact Force Health and

Safety Officer, Local Authority, Fire

Service or Environmental Health

Department as appropriate.

In the case of explosives also contact

Firearms Licensing for advice.

Explosives: Notify CCR Inspector immediately

and await further instruction

Foreign passports and other foreign

identification documents including

Non UK Driving Licences.


Obtain the full name, date of birth & nationality

of the person reporting the document lost or

stolen. Telephone the Immigration Service

Command and Control Unit on 0161 261 1640,

quoting ‘Operation HOLE’ and supply these

details. They will inform you of the immigration

status, and whether the person must be arrested

for any immigration related offence. Seek Police

officer assistance if arrest necessary.

Foreign nationals reporting the loss or theft of

their passport or national identity card to the


SYSTEM

All foreign national passports and other

travel documents that are found should be

sent immediately by secure means to the

National Document Fraud Unit (NDFU)

which is a division of the Immigration

Service.

Do not cut, mark or interfere with a non

UK passport or ID card, as they are the

property of the respective issuing

government. Items will be sent by secure

Recorded Delivery and an R01 form can

http://insite.ecis.police.uk/teams/local-policing/crime-and-incident-response/peo-information/peo-p/passports.html





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Y/N

Police in the UK must be advised to also report

the loss/theft to their embassy/consulate in the

UK without delay.

Stolen - Create STORM incident, including full

contact details and circumstances of the

offence. If not an Immediate or High call grade,

advise victim that IMU will call them back within

24 hours to take full details for a crime report /

supply crime report number.

be completed and returned with the

document as a means for Police

personnel to supply details about the find

to the NDFU.

The address is NDFU, PO Box 1000,

Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 5WB.

Complaints from passport/ID card holders

should be directed to their relevant

Embassy

Please do not disclose or release details

of the NDFU to members of the public –

they are a department of HM Government

Immigration Service and have no contact

with the public.

No

Keys

Do not record as a LOST report unless there is a

security risk, i.e. a fob is attached which details the

address the keys fit or they are

identifiable/electronic key fobs.

Consider a STORM event security of a property is in

doubt

Electronic car key fob:

Also advise caller to make contact with their

appropriate dealership.


SYSTEM:

If identifiable/Electronic key fob:

Make enquiries to trace loser.

Return only against proof of ownership.

DO NOT RECORD:

If no identification, or not an electronic fob.

Hold in loose box at front counter.

If unclaimed after three days – dispose of

item.

Finders must not retain keys and may not

claim them.

No

Livestock Subject to circumstances, may require Police response

– for example, horse loose near to road.

DO NOT RECORD

Do not accept into Police possession

N/A


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Y/N

Consider whether there is any evidence of theft.

Military ID Cards

Service

Documentation

Government

documentation


Advise loser to report to relevant military

command/Government body


SYSTEM

Military related items - Inform Royal

Military Police on 02392 285170 and

follow instructions given.

Government Documentation – place in

safe for storage and arrange immediate

collection by the relevant Government

Department

No

Mobile Phones,

Laptops and Tablets

and other devices

with an internal

memory

RECORD ON PROPERTY SYSTEM

Please note:

If the item also poses a security risk i.e.

Governmental, Legal, Military or Statutory

Agency – refer to local Police supervisor.

Advise loser to also contact service provider

ACCCEPT AND RECORD ON PROPERTY

SYSTEM


Return only against proof of ownership.

If no owner identified after 28 days

process for disposal.

Finders must not retain and may not

claim.

No

Contact numbers for

owners wanted to

report a lost/Stolen

Mobile Phone

Provider Dialling from the UK Dialling from Abroad

3

0843 373 3333

+44 7782 333 333

EE 07953 966 250 +44 7953 966 250

Orange

07973 100 150 (pay-

monthly)

07973 100 450 (PAYG)

+44 7973 100 150 (pay-monthly)

+44 7973 100 450 (PAYG)


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Y/N

Provider

O2

Dialling from the UK

0844 8090 2020 (pay-

monthly)

0844 8090 222 (PAYG)

Dialling from Abroad

+44 844 809 0200

T-Mobile

0845 412 5000

+44 79539 66150

Vodafone

08700 700191 (pay-

monthly)

08700 776655 (PAYG)

+44 7836 191 191 (pay-monthly)

+44 7836 191 919 (PAYG)

Tesco Mobile

0845 301 4455

+44 845 3014455

Virgin Mobile

0845 6000 789

+44 7953 967 967

Source: OFCOM

Other UK ID Cards


Advise loser to report the loss to the appropriate

authority.

ACCCEPT AND RECORD ON PROPRTY

SYSTEM

Return the card to the appropriate issuing

authority.

No

Perishable Goods DO NOT RECORD ON THE PROPERTY SYSTEM

DO NOT RECORD ON THE PROPERTY

SYSTEM AND DO NOT ACCEPT

N/A


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Y/N

Spectacles DO NOT RECORD ON THE PROPERTY SYSTEM

DO NOT RECORD ON THE PROPERTY

SYSTEM

N/A

Trade Plates DO NOT RECORD ON THE PROPERTY SYSTEM


SYSTEM

Contact the DVLA at: DVLA, Swansea

SA99 1AT and follow instructions.

No

UK Driving Licence


Advise the loser to contact the DVLA website for

more information

In addition if the licence is suspected Stolen:

Create STORM event, including full contact

details and circumstances of the offence. If not

an Immediate or High call grade, advise victim

that IMU will call them back within 24 hours to

take full details for a crime report / supply crime

report number.


SYSTEM

If the owner cannot be traced the licence

must be returned to the DVLA at: DVLA,

Swansea SA99 1AT.

No

UK Passport


Direct caller to Website

www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport or

Post Office for form LS01 or

Suggest they contact the UK Passport Service

(UKPS) Advice Line: 0870 521 0410


SYSTEM.

These must not go back to the holder and

must be returned to HM Passport Office

at: HM Passport Office, PO Box 654

Peterborough PE11WP. An R01 form

must also be completed and submitted

with the passport which must have the top

right hand corner of the front, back and

person details pages cut off. The corner of

the person details page must be cut

No


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Y/N

In addition if suspected the passport is

Stolen:

Create STORM event, including full contact

details and circumstances of the offence. If not

an Immediate or High call grade, advise victim

that IMU will call them back within 24 hours to

take full details for a crime report / supply crime

report number.

across the machine readable code.

Passports dispatched in the post must be

sent by Recoded Delivery.

A passport remains the property of HM

Government and in order to maintain the

integrity of the passport it must be

returned to HM Passport Office to be

recorded as recovered and then

destroyed. No attempt must be made to

try and trace the holder.

A passport that has been in the hands of

a third party may have been used to

further fraudulent activity. HM Passport

Office now shares the Lost and Stolen

passport data with other Law Enforcement

Agencies such as Interpol. It is therefore

imperative that all recoveries are returned

to HM Passport Office as soon as

practicable so that the relevant databases

can be kept up to date.

If a member of the public feels aggrieved

that no action was taken to trace

them/return the passport the above advice

about fraud prevention should be given.

.

Valuables (including RECORD ON PROPERTY SYSTEM ACCEPT AND RECORD ON PROPERTY Yes –however items


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Y/N

jewellery, artwork,

antiques)

Consider circumstances / condition of the items.

May be appropriate to treat as a Crime

otherwise direct callers to the Web pages where

they can download a letter for insurance

purposes

SYSTEM

Record as Volume Crime if suspected that

the property is subject of crime, otherwise

record as ‘Found Property’.


Return only against proof of ownership

Items must be stored in secure storage in

Police premises. In the event the item is

of considerable value Risk

Management/Finance will be contacted to

ensure correct insurance cover is in place.

can be retained for

longer in the interests

of an investigation.

Release will only occur

with the authorisation

of the OIC


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9. Appendix B: Letter for insurance claims

Information re: Lost Property Reporting As part of an insurance claim for lost property, you have asked your customer/client to report this lost property to the Police, or to provide a lost property reference number. For your information, Norfolk/Suffolk Constabulary does not take reports of lost property and will not issue lost property reference numbers as we do not investigate or validate claims of loss. This is because lost property is not a Police matter, so there is no legal requirement to report it to us.

We have advised your customer/client to send this standard notice to you as confirmation

of the above.


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10. Appendix C: Lost and Found – Recording on the Electronic Property System (EPS)

Items of found property must be described on the EPS as clearly and as thoroughly as possible to assist identification and make the record viable. For example, a found item simply described as ‘a camera’ is not sufficient to be able to reunite it with its owner. Further details should be obtained before the report is made – make, model, colour, size, shape and any names, marks and other identifying features. Also include any manufacturer number, serial number and/or any other unique identifiers. Any damage must also be recorded no matter how minor. In terms of found cash, note denominations are useful to identify one cash record from another. Do not make assumptions about property that may be misleading and possibly hinder identification. For example, rather than assuming an item of jewellery is gold and containing precious stones, “a gold and diamond solitaire ring”, it would be better to describe it as an item “made of yellow metal and containing a single white stone”. In the case of multiple items, e.g. a handbag with contents, items within the bag must be itemised separately, including any cash. Where provided, also include the name and contact details of the finder and select ‘Yes/No’ to indicate whether they wish to claim the item, if appropriate. Any notes made must reflect that ‘Yes/No’ indicator. Advice concerning rewards will not be given to members of the public and the Police will not act as intermediaries. Should a person wish to make a reward to a finder, the Front Desk Staff will arrange for the finder to make contact with the loser for them to communicate directly, if both parties agree. This will be evidenced by an entry in the notes field of the record.


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11. Appendix D: Found Property (excluding pedal cycles – see Appendix E)

Reported to or found by an Officer on patrol

Reported to or brought into a Police Station

Relevant checks MUST BE made to ensurethe item is NOT the subject of a crime

(via CCR if on patrol)

Is the item foundthe subject of

a crime?Yes

Can the finderretain the item?

No

Take receipt of the item or, if necessary, arrange collection from the finder ASAP

STORM event to be created and resource allocated to collect

No

Item received AND recorded onto property system

Item’s condition and any signs of damage MUST be recorded in full

Property to be placed into designated secure storage

Passports, ID Cards and bank cards etc. to be returned to the issuing authority immediately

Otherwise, enquires to be made to establish the owner

The Constabulary WILL NOT accept found property unless the finder is prohibited from retaining the item(s) or there are other exceptional

circumstances, as listed in the FPD

Instruct finder to take reasonable steps to identify / locate owner, as per website information pages

Retain item for 28 days before claiming ownership

Yes

Items "suspected" to be the subject of a crime must be treated as seized property

Refer to the “Property Seized Subject to Enquiry” FPD

Owner not identified after 28 days – arrange appropriate disposal of the item

Designated staff to update property system with final disposal


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12. Appendix E: Pedal Cycles

Pedal cycle foundor reported to Police

Is the pedal cyclesuspected to be thesubject of a crime?

Are there either anyidentifying markers

(e.g. a postcode)or is the pedal cyclepotentially of value?

No

Using THRIVE / NDMis there any reason why the

pedal cycle should beretained by the Police?

Yes

Record on EPS as a found pedal cycle, ask the finder to retain it for 28 days,

take their full contact details and update the location to ‘Retained By Finder’

No

Pedal cycle to be disposed of byreturn to owner, finder or

other disposal at the end of 28 days

Take details and seize pedal cycle

Record as Volume Crime on EPS

Yes

Record on Athena forfurther enquiries to be

carried out byallocated OIC

Pedal cycle to be disposed of byreturn to owner or other disposal

method at the end of investigation

NOT to be recovered Advise finder to report to local

authority for disposal

No

Recover pedal cycle / ask finder to take to a Front Counter'

Record on EPS as a found bike and rationale for decision

Yes

Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies WILL NOT routinely recover ‘found’

pedal cycles (or parts thereof)