What would you do about this (probably) stolen property?

[PassportPhotosAreHorrific]

Hi there!

A few weeks back, we (me and dh) found some expensive items shoved in a hedge on our land. There's nothing and nobody around here so there was no plausible explanation, other than they'd been stashed after a theft.

As a bit of context, we had a spate of rural burglaries a few months ago and we wondered if it was connected to that.

Given the circumstances, we phoned the police and I assumed it would be sorted and the property reunited with their owners.

But a few weeks have gone by and I've now had a letter from the police saying that the items aren't in their 'reported missing' database and they will not be collecting them or taking the case further.

So what am I supposed to do with them now? What would you do?

And also, why has somebody left their stuff in my hedge? 🤔 😂

I'd keep hold of them, depending on what the item were and the owners might come looking?

What are the items? Are they easily identified as individual items (e.g a handbag with specific items in that) that if you posted online someone could give you enough information to prove ownership?

If it was identifiable by an owner (pieces of jewellery, porcelain etc) I am surprised the police haven't picked it up!
It's going to be difficult for you to do much with it other than keep it.
If it's expensive, most places that buy want to know you own it and have a right to sell it, at least register your details.
A post on local FB saying you have some items, you're not sharing photos, but if anyone is missing anything please contact you?

Go on your local Facebook group and post under anon the info you have here.Don’t detail what you have found let people identify to you.

I'd take them into safekeeping for now, and take a load of photos, both in situ where you found them, and again once you've looked through everything. Then send another report to the police saying that you have them in storage.

The police may have only checked locally for missing/stolen property anyway, and they could have been stolen the other side of the country. Maybe one day it will be looked into again.

"The police may have only checked locally for missing/stolen property anyway, and they could have been stolen the other side of the country. Maybe one day it will be looked into again."

This is my feeling. I just can't imagine that nobody has reported these things missing.

I'd love to know the sequence of events that led up to them being deposited in my hedge.

I'll post something on FB giving minimal detail as many of you have suggested. In the meantime, I'll take them in and look after them.

Ah! Thanks, I think that may be mine.

Do you have a post code for the hedge in question?

I'll be round when it's a bit darker.

hand them into the police, get a receipt

@BurglarAndSwag lol!

@Bakersdozens I've reported them to the police, they are not interested.

I know you have reported it - just give it to them - no reason you should have to store it indefinitely.

Ah okay @Bakersdozens@Bakersdozens that makes sense.

Don't know why your name appears twice btw, my phone won't let me delete it! 😱

Where is Miss Marples when you need her?

Perhaps it's been a theft from an unoccupied property whose owners have been on an extended holiday or who are in a care home and their family member who occasionally checks on the house hasn't been round yet.

Someone will be looking for it. If not now presumably in due course.

Shame the police didn't finger print them. At least they would have a way of finding the thief!

Do you have a neighbourhood watch? Perhaps if they have a website missing items may be listed on it?

I'd put the items in the garage and keep a bit longer.

Would you use any of the things?

I would write back to the police and refer to their letter, stating you would like written confirmation that they do not consider these items stolen and are happy for you to dispose of them as you wish. Then either keep them or give them to charity.

"Perhaps it's been a theft from an unoccupied property whose owners have been on an extended holiday or who are in a care home and their family member who occasionally checks on the house hasn't been round yet."

That's our current theory, sort of. We live in a place where there are a lot of holidays homes. I wonder if somebody's holiday home has been broken into and the owners haven't been over recently.

@NiceCutRoundDomeDormice that's a good idea, to get them to confirm that.

I'd be wary of posting on FB.
I would take them into a police station as you've recovered what is likely stolen property.
I'd hazard a guess you've spoken to a civilian staff member rather than a copper.

I'd be very careful what you post on FB. Don't give out anything at all that could identify you, otherwise you'll be the next ones being burgled.

@PassportPhotosAreHorrific once you have "@" someone it's there you can't delete it ( not sure why) it's just how the system works .
Nothing helpful to add to you're actual thread though :)