Lost and found property

found property

Taking in lost property is not a statutory duty for the police.

We will only accept found property if it fits one of the below categories.

We believe it's related to crime (you can call us to check).
It poses a direct threat to the public (for example firearms, drugs, explosives, offensive weapons etc).
It contains personal details relating to the owner.

If you've found something which falls into one of the above categories please call us on 101 or visit a police station to check whether we can take it.

If we're given property that identifies you, we'll try to contact you to let you know.

I've found an item; can I keep it?
You can't keep the item if;
- you keeping it would be unlawful, for example firearms, drugs, explosives, offensive weapons etc (you must call us on 101)
- we believe it's evidence of a crime, for example a large sum of cash, a weapon, the location where it was found was unusual (call us on 101 so we can check)
- it shows someone's identity, may be used fraudulently or to commit other crimes, such as bank cards, DSS books, cheques etc (you must contact the issuing organisation to get them cancelled)
- it contains, or potentially contains, personal data
- it's an official or confidential document. This includes anything belonging to a Government Department or Armed forces, whether UK or foreign; and confidential personal documents which identify an individual (you must contact the issuing organisation).
Only if the item you've found is not listed above and you've made reasonable attempts to trace the legal owner can you assume lawful ownership of the item.

However the original owner will always retain the right to reclaim the property.
Can I throw it away or sell it?

lost property

We don't take reports of lost property so don't issue crime reference numbers for insurance purposes.

Please show your insurers our official Kent Police Lost Property Information letter if they ask you to contact us for a reference number.

If you've lost property such as cash, identification, cards, handbags, bikes etc, re-trace your steps and contact the places you've visited to see if they have it.

The premises listed below should have their own lost and found procedures:

Licensed premises (pubs, nightclubs)
Private premises (house, hotel, hostel)
Taxi companies and businesses (shops, supermarkets)
Public transport (trains, buses, trams) and educational premises (schools, universities, colleges).

I have lost my...

Certified firearm
Driving licence, passport or other ID card
- report the loss directly to the issuing authority
- to report a lost passport, visit the gov.uk website
- to replace a driving licence, visit the gov.uk website
Bank or store card
Mobile phone
Handbag, wallet or purse
Keys
Blue badge
Dog

If you've lost your dog report it to your local council dog warden.

Doglost

You can also visit Doglost website (free lost and found dog service) for more advice and support.

Stray dogs

The police no longer have responsibility for stray dogs.

To speak to someone about a stray, lost or found dog please contact your local council dog warden. Local councils also deal with reports of dog fouling.

Micro-chipping dogs

As of April 2016, you must make sure your dog is fitted with a microchip by the time it’s 8 weeks old. Read more advice on how to micro-chip your dog.

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found property

Taking in lost property is not a statutory duty for the police.

lost property

I have lost my...

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