FULTON, NY – It is possible that those who have lost valuable property in the city of Fulton have a chance to recover those items.
During a recent meeting of the Fulton Common Council, First Ward Alderman Thomas Kenyon pointed out that the city police department manages a significant amount of found property.
“If anyone is missing anything, they could call the police department,†Kenyon said. “They have a garage full of stuff down there.â€ÂÂ
Investigator Michael Curtis confirmed that several things are found by police or turned in by citizens. If unclaimed by the owners, the items are discarded or sold, he said.
“Most of the things of value go to auction,†Curtis said. “But sometimes we have things for a few weeks or even months.â€ÂÂ
Curtis pointed out that the department shouldn’t be confused with a “lost and found.†He explained that smaller items, such as gloves or a hat, are not likely going to be turned in to the police department. Other items, however, such as wallets or bicycles, could be turned in or found by officers while they are on patrol, he said.
“You would be surprised how many bicycles we receive,†Curtis said. He estimated that the police department receives several dozen bicycles each year. If unclaimed and in good condition, they are sent to auction and sold.
“The items we receive are entered into a database,†Curtis said. He noted, however, that callers should be specific to the item they are seeking if they call the police department.
“If we have a wallet but someone is talking about a purse, it probably won’t be in the system,†he said.
Curtis noted, too, that items of value are often posted on the police department’s Web site under the “found property†link. Among the items currently listed on the site are a ring, a snowboard and a BMX bicycle frame. Descriptions on the site are intentionally vague and require the person contacting the police department to provide a more detailed description.
Those seeking information about lost items that are not listed on the Web site can contact the police department’s evidence custodian at 315-592-3426.
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