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Report Something Found

Found something?

Please hand the item to someone in the premises where it was found such as shops, restaurants, transport such as buses or taxis, or staff at an event or festival. They will often have their own property records. 

If you find property then you have a legal responsibility to make reasonable efforts to locate the owner. Consider enquiries in nearby premises, using social media or leaving a note with your details.  You should report any items which have an issuing authority e.g. Driving licence to the relevant authority.

If you find any of the below items you are advised to visit your nearest police station or contact us immediately for advice on 101, or 999 in an emergency:

  • Items likely to be linked to crime. This would include high value items (over £200) such as jewellery or laptops and large amounts of cash (£1,000 and over)
  • Firearms, weapons or ammunition.
  • Illegal drugs, quantities of used drug needles, unidentifiable substances or other items that may pose a danger or harm to others.
  • Hazardous materials such as acids, poisons, corrosive liquids.
  • All passports

Below sections provide guidance on what to do if you find certain items in a public place:

 

  • If you find cash, please hand this into your nearest police station. Cash that is not reunited with the owner is donated to charity.

  • Please hand mobile phones, cameras or electronic device such as tablets and laptops in to your nearest police station and we will try and trace the owner.

  • Any found UK driving licences should be returned to:

    DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB

    Any other found identity cards should be reported to the relevant issuing authority.

  • The General Register Office asks that you destroy any birth, marriage or death certificates found in order to prevent fraudulent use.

  • If you have lost your house keys then in the first instance you should contact a local locksmith or your insurance company who will contact one on your behalf. The locksmith will get you into your house with the minimum of damage and be able to fit new locks to ensure that your property is safe.

    If you have lost your car keys you need to contact the manufacturer of your vehicle who will obtain replacement keys. Modern vehicles with immobilisers may require specialist keys with transponders that can only be obtained from the manufacturer.

    If you have a spare key to the vehicle you can use this to gain entry to the vehicle and should try to obtain this to get your vehicle home or to a garage.

  • If you have found a bicycle which is in a new condition please telephone us on 101 with a good description of the cycle including any serial numbers. All other found bicycles should be reported to your local council. If the bike has a frame ID, you check for owner details on www.bikeregister.com through the link ‘check a bike’.

  • If you have lost any prescription drugs or medicines, contact your GP/medical practitioner. Re-trace your steps and make enquiries in the area where you think you may have lost them.

    If you find any prescription drugs or medicines please take them to the nearest chemist who will dispose of them safely.

  • If you find needles in the street, your local council has a duty to remove these. Prior to contacting your council ensure that you do not touch the items, which includes placing them in a bin.

  • If you require further assistance with lost or found items, please telephone us on 101 or visit your nearest suitable police station.