Restrict handling
Limit access to trained, authorised people and maintain a clear record of location, movement, checks and exceptions.
Complete Lost Property Service
Handling data-bearing and sensitive lost property
Phones, laptops, tablets, storage media, identity documents and payment cards create risks beyond ordinary lost property. Use a restricted process that protects the item, the owner and any information it contains.
This resource provides operational considerations, not legal, forensic or cyber-incident advice. Escalate suspected crime, compromise or hazardous items through approved specialist routes.
At the point of receipt
- Record the item’s external description, condition, date, location found and receiving colleague without exploring its contents.
- Do not attempt to unlock a device, bypass security, open files, inspect messages or search personal content for owner information.
- Avoid displaying identity or account information unnecessarily when labelling or discussing the item.
- Place the item in controlled storage and record each authorised handover.
Storage and access
Separate by risk
Use appropriate segregation for devices, identity documents, payment cards, keys, access credentials, medicines and potentially hazardous items.
Preserve condition
Avoid unnecessary powering, charging, connection to networks or attachment to organisational computers. Record visible damage and follow approved safety escalation where a battery is swollen, hot or damaged.
Claim and return
- Verify ownership using non-public characteristics, documentation or account details supplied by the claimant rather than information discovered by accessing the item.
- Use proportionate identity checks and record the reason for the release decision.
- Package devices to protect them during any authorised courier return and retain evidence of handover.
Unclaimed items
Do not assume that deleting visible files or performing an ordinary reset makes a device safe for resale or donation. Use an approved data-sanitisation and disposal route aligned with organisational policy and specialist guidance.
NCSC device security guidancePublished and reviewed by Complete Lost Property Service on 10 August 2026.
A practical first step
Take lost property off your team’s workload
Book a short, no-obligation review of your current process with CLPS.