Getting Property Back From Met Police

[Limit1]

I am after some advice again please.

My house was searched and some of my property was seized during search. I was on Police bail for a while and no further action was decided upon answering the bail.

However, OIC was not present when I answered the bail and Police still has not released the property that they seized during search.

I have been trying to get hold of OIC but have had no luck!

It's pretty much two weeks since my bail was cancelled and I just can't find a way to get that property back, please advise what could be most effective way to have my property released from Police.

Thanks

[FredPuli43]

http://www.insidetime.org/articleview.asp?a=1125

gives a brief guide. Scroll down to find what to do next.

If all else fails you'll have to apply to the Magistrates under the Police Property Act 1897, as amended by the Police (Property) Act 1997. That sounds daunting, but is seldom necessary. If it is required, your local Citizens' Advice Bureau and/or the Magistrates court's clerks may be able to help. Otherwise you will need a solicitor.

[Limit1]

Thanks for reply.

They have got some cash as well that they took during search and it's more than months since then, according to article, Magistrate proceeding must be commence within 48 hours to retain the cash.

Seems like, it's illegal in my case as court proceedings were never commenced as long I am aware of?

[Orderlimit]

Hi limit

Initially, I would ring the control room and ask them to leave a message for the OIC (and the OIC's shift supervisor) to contact you urgently.

They wont give out the officers shift rota (or shouldn't), but could be on leave, on a course etc. Some one with knowledge of the case will be able to arrange for the Property Officer to release the items to you.

[Limit1]

Thanks for answers.

I have called control and an email was sent to officer in charge but have not heard anything back, it's more than two weeks since then.

I also have spoken to inspector at station but he hasn't got reply back from neither officer or his supervisor.

Any suggestions please, what to do next?

[Orderlimit]

Limit1, if it were me I would now go to the station again and now ask to speak to the 'Duty Inspector', if the D/Insp is unavailable ask to speak to some one higher. Detail all the actions, persons spoken to and request you have made, explaining you have been more than reasonable in waiting but you now consider the delays and lack of communication unacceptable and will refer the matter to their force complaints dept (Professional Standards) if the matter can not be resolved.

I take it the seized property is not prohibited?.

[Limit1]

No, it's not prohibited property.
Electronic items worth around £8K and I already have spoken to someone senior at station but answer is same, they have to wait for clearance from OIC who is not responding for some reason.

[Orderlimit]

Ok thanks Limit. Yes the OIC will have to authorise that the property can be released. Try the control room one more time and see whether they will tell you if the officer is on duty, if not ask them again to email the OIC and supervisor, tell them the property is required urgently. If no response then you are justified in making a complaint to Professional Standards, which can be done on -line:

example http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/Complaints/item5047.html