You may consider checking the pawnshops/second-hand dealers in your area for your belongings.
- Pawned items must be held for 30 calendar days. (With probable cause to believe the property in possession of a pawnbroker is stolen, law enforcement may place a written hold on the property for 90 days.)
- Items acquired by a second-hand dealer must be held for 15 calendar days. (With probable cause to believe the property in possession of a pawnbroker is stolen, law enforcement may place a written hold on the property for 60 days.)
- While on hold, the pawnshop/second-hand dealer should not have those items on display. You may not see your stolen belongings. If any of your belongings are found in a pawnshop/second-hand dealer you may attempt to get them back by notifying the pawnbroker/second-hand dealer by certified mail, return receipt requested, or in person with a signed claim to the goods. The claim must contain a detailed description of the goods and must be accompanied by a copy of the police report on the misappropriation of the goods.
- If notifying the pawnshop/second-hand dealer to obtain your personal belongings doesn’t work, you can begin the legal process for getting your property returned. During this process the police may confiscate the property or place a hold on it. This will give you time to file a replevin petition with the clerk of the court. Identifiable serial numbers, etchings on property and receipts are helpful during this process. The only alternative to this court process is to buy the item back from the pawnshop/second-hand dealer
