Lost Property

The Council has changed the way it asks drivers of private hire and hackney carriage vehicles to deal with lost property following a change in the arrangements for depositing items at the Police Station. Amendments have also been made for owners seeking to locate lost property.

Private Hire Drivers - Items found in private hire vehicles must be passed by the driver to the operator within 24hours. The operator should then register them on Essex Police's website.  This will notify the Police data base that an item has been found should a member of the public call 101. The operator should keep any items deposited with it for a minimum of 28 days. 

Hackney Carriage Drivers - Items found in a hackney carriage, must be registered by the driver on Essex Police's website. Items should be held for a minimum of 28 days. 

The following found items must be surrendered to the Police and cannot be retained:

• Firearms - This item is a threat to your safety. It is unlawful for you to retain this item without a valid licence, please call 999 and Essex Police will arrange for collection. 
• Explosive Material - This item is a threat to your safety. It is unlawful for you to retain this item, please call 999 and Essex Police will arrange for collection. 
• Knives/Offensive Weapons/Drugs/Unidentified substances - This item is a threat to your safety. It is unlawful for you to retain this item, please call 101 and Essex Police will arrange for collection. 
• Offensive Material/ Items believed to be used in or in connection with a crime - It is unlawful for you to retain this item, please call 101 and Essex Police will arrange for collection. 

In addition to the above Passport/Driving Licence or other government documents for security reasons must be sent back to the issuing authority as it is unlawful for you to retain these items.