FAQs Property and Evidence

Q:  How long property is held?

A:  Different types of property are held for different lengths of time. For instance:  "Found Property" is held for a period of 90 days unless it is claimed by the owner.
"Safekeeping Property" can be held for 60 days. "Evidence" items are held until such time as they are no longer needed for trial or the statute of limitations expires. Statutes of limitations vary depending on the seriousness of the crime. Additionally, some items can be released pursuant to a court order or authorization from the District Attorney.   

Q:  How do I arrange for the release of MY property?

A:  In most cases you will receive notification from the Evidence Office staff of the releasablity of your property. It is important that you keep your address current with DMV as that is the most common means used for contacting you. You may call the Evidence Office at (707) 469-4707 to inquire about the status of your property or notify them of an address change.  

Q:  How do I get my property back?

A:  Property is released by appointment only to the legal owner of the property. Legal picture I.D. will be required at the time of the release (driver’s license, state identification card, military I.D. or passport). 

Q:  Do I have to turn in “Found Property?”

A:  Section 2080 of the California Civil Code states in part that a person is not required to take charge of found property unless bound to do so by contract or law. But, if s/he does take charge of property valued at $100 or more and the owner is unknown or has not claimed the property, the person saving or finding the property shall, within a reasonable time turn the property over to the police department in the city or sheriff’s department in the county.
     The police department or the sheriff's department shall then notify the owner, if his or her identity is reasonably ascertainable, that it possesses the property and where it may be claimed.  
     If the owner appears within 90 days, after receipt of the property by the police department or sheriff's department, proves his ownership of the property, and pays reasonable charges, the police department or sheriff's department shall restore the property to him.
     Except in the case of found firearms and bicycles, if no owner appears and proves his or her ownership of the property within 90 days, the title shall vest in the person who found or saved the property, unless the property was found in the course of employment by an employee of any public agency, in which case the property shall be sold at public auction.   

Q:  What happens to unclaimed property/evidence?

A:   Property which remains unclaimed by a legal owner is sent to public auction the proceeds of which are deposited into the City’s General Fund.

Q:  How can I get my firearm(s) released to me?

A:  Once it is determined that a firearm is no longer needed as evidence the “legal owner” will be notified. At that time a “Gun Release Application” will be provided to the legal owner. Individuals seeking the return of a firearm that is in the possession of a law enforcement agency must submit this application with the appropriate fees to the Department of Justice. A firearms eligibility check will be conducted to determine whether you are lawfully eligible to possess firearms. Persons deemed eligible to possess firearms will receive a notice from the DOJ and can then collect their firearm from the Evidence Office.  

Q:  What if my bike gets lost or stolen?

A:  Bicycles are probably the most common items submitted as “Found Property.” Unfortunately very few people take the time to write down the serial numbers of their bikes. We would recommend that you make a record of the serial number and physical description of your bike AND license it with the City of Vacaville at the Police Department lobby. If your bike is lost or stolen you should make a report to the Police Department regardless of whether or not you have recorded the serial number. Every effort is made to compare the reports of lost/stolen bikes to the recovered bikes in an effort to identify the owners.