Police introduce new streamlined approach to the service
The new approach was devised following consultation with staff, partners and the public.
From 1st September the police will:
The Police will only deal with certain items where they are lost or found in public
places. This includes items dropped in the street, left at a bus stop, on a bench, etc.
If you have lost an item, they recommend you always retrace your steps and make
enquiries in the area(s) it may be have been misplaced.
If you have found an item, you have a legal responsibility to make reasonable efforts
to find the owner.
If the item lost or found is dangerous and could cause harm,
you should contact the Police immediately!
LOST OR FOUND ELSEWHERE
If the item was lost or found on private property or on public transport, then the police offer the following advice.
Cycles: If the item has a serial number you should also record the loss at www.immobilise.com
or www.bikeregister.com
Public
Transport: National rail: Speak to a member of train staff.
Alternatively, for more information contact National Rail enquiries
on: 08457 48 49 50 or go to www.nationalrail.co.uk.
London underground, overground, London buses, London
taxis or minicabs: TfL Lost property office, 200 Baker Street,
London, NW1 5RZ. Tel: 0343 222 1234.
Private
Property:
This includes places such as shops, clubs, pubs, leisure
centres, places of work, private vehicles and coaches
Often private organisations will have their own lost and found
property services. If so, they are best placed to deal with items
you have lost or may have found.
Not sure: Please speak to a member of staff at the front counter or dial 101.
PROPERTY LOST IN A PUBLIC PLACE
Please note the police no longer issue lost property reference numbers
Hazardous Items: such as firearms, shotguns and
ammunition, or poisons, toxins or chemicals
Report to a member of staff IMMEDIATELY or dial 999!
Mobile telephones, MP3 players, computers or ANY
equipment with a serial number (including bicycles):
You can report the loss and print a certificate for free via www.immobilise.com. For pedal cycles, please visit
www.bikeregister.com. Reports are searchable by Police
forces nationwide and insurance companies to help restore
property or process a claim.
Identifiable items: (e.g. with owner’s name and address or
other contact details in or on the item)
You do not need to report the loss. If the item is handed in the police
will make efforts to contact you.
Items which do not have a serial number but have a high
monetary: (over £500) or sentimental value (e.g. heirlooms)
Please speak to a member of staff who will see what additional
assistance we could offer.
Prescribed medication and drugs:
You do NOT need to report this matter to us. Should you
require any medical assistance, please speak to a member of
staff or dial 999.
Passports, driving licences and ID cards:
You do not need to report the loss to Police.
UK passports or driving licences: Report directly to the
Passport Office or DVLA.
Foreign passports, ID cards and driving licences: Report
directly to your embassy or high commission.
Other official documents (e.g. birth certificates, bank
statements) or bank cards: Report direct to the issuing
authority.
Unidentifiable, low value items:
Please be advised we do not take in such items, including
luggage, empty purses, empty wallets or low-value
unidentifiable items such as umbrellas, spectacles, used or
soiled clothing, perishable goods, rubbish, or similar.
A letter explaining our policy is available from www.met.police.uk/lostandfound or by speaking to a member of staff
September 4, 2014