UNCLAIMED property handed into Stevenage police station will now go for auction on the internet with proceeds going to local charities.

Following a successful nine-month trial, Bumblebee Auctions has gone live.

It allows members of the public to bid for items such as electronic goods and jewellery in the same way as they would on eBay

This replaces the old police auction system of selling items via pubic auction houses often with a very limited number of bidders. Property that is unclaimed for six weeks or seized property that has been retained for over six months will be up for auction to a wider market.

Chief Insp Mark Crampton, overseeing the site, explained: “The constabulary does a huge search on its computer systems to try and trace the owners of lost property. If this proves unsuccessful the force is entitled, under the Police Property Act, to dispose of these items by sale.”

Under the Act a large proportion of money raised is given to charitable causes through Herts in Trust.

Ch Insp Crampton added: “Anyone can get access to the website. The items usually start at £1 and remain available for auction for seven days.

“Experience has shown that this is a very practical way of offering the public a chance to pick up a real bargain knowing their money is going to a good cause.

Posted: 08|20|05 at 11:25 am. Filed under: UK News.