Receiving lost and found property is one task undertaken by our Station Support Officers, at the Cambridge and Te Awamutu Public counter.
Cambridge Police Station
Deb Hann
Over the years we have had a wide variety of items handed in, from bicycles to jewellery, mobile phones, wallets or keys and once, even a live turtle! Did you know that if you find an item that someone has likely lost, it is illegal to just keep it and make it your own without making every reasonable attempt to return it to its rightful owner? It can be helpful to initially post on local community Facebook pages with information of the find and this sometimes ensures a speedy return. At the same time however, this then places the onus on you to ensure that the person claiming it, is actually the true owner. When an item is handed into Police, we are able to compare the description, serial numbers and other relevant information to any reports of lost (or stolen) property already received or that come in soon after. Sometimes stolen property is abandoned by thieves if they deem it of low resale value.
Where it is an item with a name on it, we can also check our systems and often find contact information to be able to get in touch with them directly. If you are unable to get to the station or bring the item in to us, make a report to 105, either online or via phone. When you hand something in you will be asked whether you consent to your details being released to the owner (for appreciation) and if subsequently unclaimed, whether you wish to have the found item returned to you. Where appropriate, items that are unclaimed after three months are sent to auction. In the past week, Cambridge SSO Lisa has had a ring and an Apple iPad handed in. If you lose something, do make sure you check in with us, we may just have received it.
In other news, Cambridge has had more attempted and actual car thefts this past week. Don’t forget that CCTV and forensic evidence are key to catching those responsible. If you find your car has been broken in to, do not touch anything with your bare hands. Be sure to report any interference or theft of cars and let us know if you have anything suspicious captured on CCTV.
Cambridge Police Station
