Northamptonshire Police is now on eBay, aiming to generate income in disposing of some of the 110,000 items of stored property that is seized each year – either as potential evidence in an investigation, recovered stolen property, or even valuable items removed for safe keeping such as following a sudden death. The Force must ensure all such property is properly managed and recorded.
A new role has been created – Evidential cash and income generation officer – who will generate income for the Force from the sale of property whose owner can’t be identified.
A recent review and disposal of property and seized cash has netted the Force more than £47,000, which has been banked in the Force’s Police Property Act (PPA) fund. This money helps to make up the Commissioner’s Safer Communities and Safer Roads Funds, which are given away to good causes.
The Force is required to keep some of the money in case an owner comes forward at a later stage.
And now a Force eBay account has been set up to dispose of suitable property. Last December, £190 was made from just a jumper, fragrance, party game and book!
Suitable items are also recycled – including stamps, computer leads, DVD writers and tools to other departments and old clothing that isn’t saleable is sent to charity.
The eBay seller account is NorPol101
