On 19 December, I found a solid gold bracelet (hallmarked) in one of the concesssions of Selfridges on Oxford Street. I took it to the concession's till where staff said they would take it to Lost Property on the fourth floor. When I wrote down my details so I could have confirmation it had made it there, they decided they were too busy to go to the fourth floor after all. So I was going to take it up myself.
A name-badged member of the concession's staff then approached me and said she would take the bracelet straight to the 4th floor. I gave her my details so that I could have confirmation of safe receipt by LP.
The next day, having heard nothing, I emailed Selfridges with a photograph of the bracelet to check it had found its way to Lost Property. They replied 2 days later at 10pm saying the store was closed so they couldn’t tell me.
I emailed again a few days later, and this time they emailed back saying they couldn’t tell me about the bracelet because of data protection.
I pointed out I was not asking for personal information, just whether the bracelet had safely made it to Lost Property and whether it had been claimed. I also said that if it was not claimed, then I expected it back as I was the next rightful owner. Actually, I am not very interested in having it but I do want to ensure it has not disappeared along the way.
This afternoon, Selfridges wrote back one line: “We would not be looking to release the item to yourself.”
Would it not be easy for them to tell me if the bracelet is in Lost Property and/or whether it has been claimed? Is there any good reason I haven’t thought of for them to be so evasive? AIBU to find their communications strange? What do stores usually do with valuable unclaimed Lost Property?
Anyway, if any MNer lost a solid gold bracelet in Selfridges last week, I can match your description with my photo and let you know where it should be!