Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government under what powers the police may confiscate camping equipment, food, solar panels, portable lavatories and litter bins, which are being stored in connection with planned demonstrations; and whether the police are required to keep a record of such items that are seized, and to store them in appropriate conditions.

Police have powers under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and Common Law to seize and retain property that is believed to be evidence of an offence.

Once seized, the property may be retained for no longer than is necessary for use as evidence at a trial, for forensic examination or for investigation in connection with an offence or to establish the rightful owner of the property. To ensure the property is admissible as evidence, police need to keep an accurate record of its seizure and retention and safe keeping to establish the chain of evidence.

Owners may obtain independent legal advice if they wish to make a claim against police for damage to their property. Free advice can be sought from a Law Centre or Citizens Advice (CA). If a person wishes to claim property seized by the police, they may also apply to a magistrate’s court under the Police (Property) Act 1897 for its possession.