Found property
Your guide to property found in a public place
In all cases you should make reasonable enquiries to trace the owner
For unidentifiable or low value property, such as : -
- Empty handbags / bags / cases / wallets / purses
- Used clothing / soiled clothing
- Perishable goods
- Umbrellas / spectacles / sunglasses etc.
- Rubbish
You should:
- Make reasonable enquiries which could include asking people nearby, consider enquiries in nearby premises or leave a note with your details.
- If still unidentified then there is nothing more the Police can do and you should dispose of the property.
Higher value property
The following list of items should be handed in to a Police Station or direct to a Police Officer / Police Community Support Officer or at a Police Help Desk, so we can trace the owner or otherwise deal with them safely:
- Mobile phones/tablets
- High value jewellery and possessions
- Wireless headphones
- Cash
- High value bicycles - check the National Cycle Database - Bike checker to see if a bike has been reported as stolen.
- Computers
Firearms / dangerous items
- Firearms / shotguns or ammunition
- Explosives, chemicals, toxins or poisons
- Drugs or medicines
- Any other items not covered elsewhere
If safe to do so, hand in to a Police Station or direct to a Police Officer / Police Community Support Officer or at Police Help Desk so we can trace the owner or otherwise deal with them safely.
Do not attempt to handle dangerous items!
Report to a member of staff IMMEDIATELY.
Other found property
- Bank cards
- Identity cards
- Personal documentation (e.g. bank statements, benefit books) Follow the instructions on the back of the bank card, identity card or other document.
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate
The General Register Office ask that you destroy the item to prevent fraudulent use. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/general-register-office
- British passports
Please cancel the passport by cutting off the top corner and then go to www.gov.uk/government/publications/found-passport to read what to do next
- Foreign passports, driving licences and other identity documents.
Return to the embassy of the issuing country.
- UK driving licences
If you have found a UK driving licence, please return it to the DVLA.
Please post the driving licence to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB
Leaflet for Printing
Please note that the information available in the PDF leaflet is the same as the information (text version) above it. This leaflet has been made available in order to be printed and displayed for educational and support purposes.