• What should I do if my property is lost or stolen?
• Can I look at your bikes to see if mine has been recovered?
• When can I claim my property that was taken for safekeeping?
• When can I claim my property that was booked as evidence?
• What should I bring when I come in to pick up my property?
• Can someone else pick up my property?

What should I do if my property is lost or stolen?

If your property has been lost or stolen, you should file a report as soon as possible (/crime_reports/start-report.asp) or call the SPD Records Section at (916) 808-0620. If you have a record of the serial number on the item(s) or if you have applied your own number, include that in the report. Items lost or stolen that are reported with their serial numbers stand a far better chance of being returned to their owners. An owner has 90 days to claim his/her found property. If you have lost some property and would like to see if it has possibly been turned in, you may contact us by phone. As a finder, you may contact us at 90 days to see if the item remains unclaimed; we will advise you of release procedures at that time.

Can I look at your bikes to see if mine has been recovered?

Bike viewing can be done during normal business hours, 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday (excluding City holidays). Please bring in your lost/stolen report number with you. Also bring documents or any other proof that the recovered bike is yours. When you arrive, you will fill out a card with specific information about your missing bicycle, then you will have the opportunity to view our found bikes to see if we have your bike.

When can I claim my property that was taken for safekeeping?

Owners must pick up any safekeeping and/or personal property items within 60 days. If you need more time, call or write to request an extension. Unclaimed items will either go to charitable organizations or be disposed. Refer to the "Release of Firearms" section of the "Property And Evidence" web site regarding release of ALL firearms.

When can I claim my property that was booked as evidence?

For all evidence held in which a person has been arrested/cited, we must receive a District Attorney confirmation that the case is closed on all defendants. In some cases, the District Attorney may not release items immediately, pending further investigation or appeals. We also must receive a detective release on all assigned cases. Upon closure of the cases and receipt of necessary releases, an owner must pick up his/her property within 15 days. If your mailing address changes, notify the Property Section so that you can be notified when your property is available.

What should I bring when I come in to pick up my property?

In order to be helped in the most efficient manner, please bring your government-issued ID (CA driver license/ ID, military ID, or passport) along with your case number or Property Record number. Bring your notification letter if you received one. If there are special circumstances regarding the pick up of your property, please contact our office.

Can someone else pick up my property?

If you would like someone else to pick up your property, we must receive a NOTARIZED letter of authorization from you. If you are picking up property of a person who is currently incarcerated, that person must write a letter authorizing you to pick up his/her property, and it must be witnessed by an officer/guard at the correctional facility with the officer’s name, badge number, and contact phone number. For deceased owners, if you have no power of attorney or will with copy of death certificate, we will contact the Coroner to identify the next of kin (who will then be able to pick up the property). Please include the General Offense number or the Property Record number on all paperwork in order for us to help you more efficiently.