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If you found some lost property, what would you do?

For many, the first thought would be to hand it in to your nearest police station.

That was the case for a Good Samaritan who found a purse full of debit cards in Cardiff last year.

Deborah Jones was gob-smacked after being turned away by police.

(Image: Walesonline)

The 58-year-old was told to take a 20-minute car journey instead to one of Cardiff's two front-counter services.

But that is not a one-off, because police forces in Wales and England no longer deal with lost property.

The rules changed from October 1 last year which mean all police forces in England and Wales no longer deal with lost property so officers have more time to fight crime.

So what should you do if you find lost property?

Police say you are required to take reasonable steps to discover the owner of the property.

Items found containing personal data like a UK passport, bank card, or driving licence should be reported to the issuing authority.

South Wales Police say they no longer take reports of lost property but if an item gets handed into them, they will do their best to reunite it with the owner.

They have created a found property database for the south Wales area to help get more items of property back with owners.

North Wales Police say for unidentifiable or low value property, like empty handbags, wallets, purses, used clothing, etc, you should make reasonable enquiries which could include asking people nearby, in nearby premises or leaving a note with your details.

But they add if it's still unidentified then there is nothing more the police can do and "you should dispose of the property".

(Image: Rob Browne)

They say: "You will be encouraged to keep hold of the item you have found on the understanding that if the owner comes forward, you must return it.

"If the item is retained by the police and you would like to claim it, you should indicate on the online found property report form that you wish to make claim to the property after 28 days if the owner is not identified.

"All found property (except perishables) retained by the finder must be kept for a period of six weeks from the date of reporting the find to police.

"After this time the finder can assume care and control of the found property and does acquire a right to keep it against all but the true owner."

(Image: Walesonline)

Gwent Police say in some cases when lost property is handed in to local police stations, officers will make "reasonable efforts" to try and trace the owner, depending on the item.

In some cases, police forces such as Gwent have been known to sell lost property on websites like Bumblebee Auctions which sells all sorts of lost property. Warwickshire Police, for example, started the bids on an angle grinder for £1.

Dyfed-Powys Police say you have a legal responsibility to make reasonable efforts to find the owner of lost property.

They add: "You could make enquiries in nearby amenities, place an advert in the local newspapers or perhaps use social media."

There are some obvious exceptions.

There are certain items that members of the public are not allowed to retain and claim under any circumstances. These include: drugs, firearms, cash in excess of £500, weapons, ammunition, non UK passports, high value items, laptops and cameras, mobile phones, unidentifiable substances or other items that may pose a danger or harm to others.

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Gwent Police explain you should hand any of the above into a police station in order for them to trace the owner or otherwise deal with them safely.

They add: "Do not attempt to handle any hazardous/dangerous items you find. Police say you should inform them straight away."

What to do if you've lost something

Most police forces advise you to make your own enquiries in the area or retrace your steps.

North Wales Police, for example, say they will deal with certain items where they have been lost or found in public places. This includes items dropped in the street, or left on a public bench, for example.

If you lose anything with a serial number, such as mobile phones, bikes, MP3 players or computers, you can report the loss via www.immobilise.com or www.bikeregister.com for bikes.

Reports are searchable by police forces nationwide and insurance companies to help restore property or process a claim.

You do not need to report the loss of identifiable items. Police say if the item is handed in they will make efforts to contact you.

You should call 101 if you have lost items that do not have a serial number but have a high monetary value (over £500) or sentimental items.

Of course, hazardous items should be reported directly to police immediately and you should contact your GP or NHS Direct if you lose prescribed medication and drugs.

You can also visit ReportMyLoss.com which can be viewed by police forced nationally.