Property Office

The Property Office receives and stores all public property, including vehicles that come into the possession of the Vancouver Police Department. This consists of evidence exhibits, safekeeping articles or simply found items.

When all investigative and judicial processes are concluded, the property is returned to the lawful owner or disposed of as per departmental procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is found property held before the finder can claim it?

Found property is returned to the lawful owner as soon as possible.  If the owner cannot be determined or located and all investigation is concluded, the finder can claim the article after 90 days. The finder can check on the status of the property by calling the Property Office at (604) 717-2726 after 60 days. Some items such as prohibited articles or identification cannot be claimed. Prisoner Property for safekeeping is held for 30 days before it is disposed of.

When are public auctions of unclaimed property held?

At least once a year an auction is held to dispose of unclaimed property.  Articles include bicycles, jewellery and general merchandise. Vehicles are not sold at this auction. Goods are assembled into Lots and each Lot is sold in its entirety to the highest bidder.

How is a found bicycle picked up?

The public can report found bicycles to (604) 717-3321.

How do I find out if a bicycle or a vehicle has been reported stolen to police?

You can do a search on the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), a database used by all police agencies in Canada.

Has my vehicle been seized?

Please call (604) 717-2726 if you believe the VPD has seized your vehicle for any follow-up investigation.

When is the next public auction of unclaimed property?

The next VPD Auction date is scheduled for May 2012.