How do I get my property back from the police?

If your property has been seized by the police, we can take action to get it returned to you. The first step is for us to make formal written representations to the police, arguing that its continued retention is no longer necessary or lawful. The police must justify keeping your property, and if there is no valid reason, they should return it.

If the police refuse to return your property without justification, we can make an application to the Magistrates’ Court under the Police (Property) Act 1897. The court has the power to order the police to release property if there is no legal basis for the police to keep it.