Return of Property Seized by the Police

Name: Return of Property Seized by the Police
Brand: Witan Solicitors
Rating: 4.8 (44 reviews)

As Featured In

During an investigation or before court proceedings, the police may seize your property from you either at the police station or through a search of premises. The police will hold onto the items until a decision is made about whether they will be used as evidence.

If your valuable property has been seized, there is no need to worry. You have the right to recover any items that will not be exhibited or of an illegal nature such as drugs.

Since 2014, our criminal defence lawyers have been advising on the return of property seized by police in the UK. We have a proven track record of helping clients successfully recover their belongings. Simply give us a call on 0300 303 2071 or email info@witansolicitors.co.uk to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.

Please be aware that a no-win, no-fee arrangement is not available for our criminal law services. Contact our team today for further information on our pricing.

Recovering Seized Items

To arrange the return of your items, you need to know:

The name of the officer handling your case
The date of your arrest
The date your property was taken
Your custody number

If you are unsure, our experts will help you obtain these details. If the police do not assist with the return of your property, we can help you make a complaint to a senior officer or the Independent Office for Police Conduct. If that is unsuccessful, we can help you make an application to the Magistrates’ Court for the return of property seized by the police.

Common Items That Can Be Recoveread

Generally, personal items such as wallets are likely to be returned when you leave the police station. Phones and computers, on the other hand, may hold more evidential value so are likely to be retained. Similarly, clothes and other items that the police believe were used to help in committing an offence will be retained as evidence. On top of this, large amounts of money may be subject to investigation and may be subject to further proceedings even if the original investigation has concluded.

If the police retain your property for analysis, they will need to provide you with a copy of what they have seized before the case ends.

What If There is No Further Action?

If the investigation has concluded with no further action, seized items should be returned to you. While this process can be slow, our solicitors can ensure that your property is released to you as quickly as possible.

If the police refuse to return your property, we will help you make an application under Section 1 of the Police (Property) Act 1897. The court may issue an order to return the property to the lawful owner.

What if the Matter is Still Under Investigation?

If you have been released under investigation or on bail, you still have the right to recover your property under Section 22 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. This act states that property cannot be held if a photograph or copy can be made. If the original must be retained by the police, there is still an obligation to allow access under Section 21.

If this is not allowed, our layers can escalate the application to a senior police officer or the court.

Why Choose Witan Solicitors?

Since 2014, our specialist lawyers have been helping defendants recover property seized by the police in the UK. We will ensure that your valuable items are returned safely and as quickly as possible. With us in your corner, you benefit from:

100+ years of combined legal experience
Proven track record of helping clients successfully recover property
Representation from a Legal 500 recognised law firm
Clear and jargon-free legal advice
Multilingual legal professionals
Advice on the return of property seized by the police in Birmingham, London and Northampton

Contact Us

With legal experts in Birmingham, London and Northampton, we advise clients on the return of property seized by the police across the UK. Simply call us on 0300 303 2071 or send an email to info@witansolicitors.co.uk.

FAQ

How quickly will you respond?

We aim to respond to all enquiries as quickly as possible. Depending on our caseload, we can get to work straight away.

Can you help me get my case dropped?

Yes. Our expert criminal defence lawyers have a strong record of success in getting cases dropped early.

Qarrar Somji

Solicitor-Advocate

Qarrar qualified as a Solicitor Advocate in 2014 having previously had experience in a varying range of litigation roles.

What our customers say

What we need in times of trouble

-David

I came across this firm on Google. Some of the other firms on Google do not respond and answer the most basic of questions. Having contacted this firm, I was directed to Nazifa Sarwar and would highly recommend her. The manner in which she dealt with my initial enquiry and responded was very reassuring. It is clear that she is a highly skilled professional in her field. I look forward to using the services provided by this firm.

I received excellent advice from Witan Solicitors. They demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal matter I was facing and provided clear, valuable guidance. Nazifa was responsive, addressing my concerns with professionalism and expertise. I would recommend their services for any legal needs.

-Mark

Nazifa has been extremely helpful with my query today. I appreciate not only the advice but also the honesty with with she has been able to lay out all my options for me. Absolutely adding this firm to my shortlist of legal contacts!

-Rita

I would highly recommend Nazifa Sarwa and her team. She has been a great legal and personal support during a very difficult time. Her professionalism, knowledge, advice and reassurance has been outstanding. She has delivered a high standard legal letter and given excellent advice in order to tackle a difficult and stressful situation; this in turn gained my confidence and belief that she would help solve my legal matter and helped to reduce my stress levels. I would definitely recommend Nazifa Sarwa.

-Zoobia

I would strongly recommend John and the Cato Solicitors team. He’s knowledgeable articulate and clear and I felt that my case had his undivided attention, whereas with larger firms you can end up feeling like you are just one of many they need to get through.

Great to work with and put simply – I just would not want to face John if he was on the opposing side!

-Paul

I discussed my whole matter with a solicitor in the office. He listened me carefully and after that he was given me advised. i really appreciate to him, Thank you. And I recommend him aswell to others.

-Tayyaba

I met with Mr Somji who I found to be very approachable and understanding. He managed to have a good grasp of the case within a short time and gave a workable framework in order to proceed

-Sarah

Before I had advised by mr somji I went 15 different solicitors for advice and none of them have a clue what so ever my case were mr somji it takes him to understand 10 mnts and he me best advice which I satisfied 100%
I wish I see him in first place
Thanks 🙏
Simply best of the best

-Farah soofe

I can strongly recommend John and my advise is if you have any disputes at all he is the man to speak to.
John gave me advise on everything and walked through the whole process with myself and made it very clear and easy to understand.
He was very friendly and with a smile.

-Angela

Very professional company. Found a recent GDPR webinar to be very informative and helpful.

-Mitesh

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