Question from a reader:
Before filing a lost property report, it might have already been sold to a pawn shop. Will the police contact the pawn shop when I file the report?

Considering Lost Property Reports for Items That May Have Been Sold to a Pawn Shop

Hello everyone. Today, I’d like to talk a bit about the law, specifically about “lost
property reports.” This is something we don’t often want to think about in our daily lives, but what should we do if we lose something important, and what happens if it might have been sold to a pawn shop? Let’s discuss these questions.

What is a Lost Property Report?

First, let’s briefly explain what a lost property report is. A lost property report is a document submitted to the police when you lose something. By submitting this report, it allows the police to return the item to its owner if they find it. For example, if you lose a wallet, smartphone, or valuable items, it is important to file a lost property report. I personally have experienced losing my wallet a few years ago. I was really panicked at that time. I remember going to the police to file a lost property report and waiting with a glimmer of hope that it might be found.

What to Do If It Was Sold to a Pawn Shop

Now, regarding the reader’s case, they are concerned that “it might have been sold to a pawn shop.” This is a very realistic worry. Especially nowadays, pawn shops have diversified and have become places where precious metals and brand items can be easily bought and sold. So, will the police contact the pawn shop when a lost property report is filed? The answer is both “yes” and “no.” Legally, the police are not obligated to contact the pawn shop directly. However, once a lost property report is submitted, the police may monitor transactions at pawn shops based on that information.

The Specific Process

Let’s consider a specific process. For example, suppose you lost an expensive watch. You would immediately file a lost property report and explain the situation to the police. The police will record the characteristics and serial number of the watch. After that, you can either visit the pawn shop yourself to check if the watch has been sold or ask the police to confirm with the pawn shop. One thing to be cautious about is that since pawn shops are businesses, they may not disclose whether your watch is there due to privacy protection.

The Role and Responsibility of Pawn Shops

Pawn shops are subject to strict laws when conducting pawn transactions. They issue a pawn ticket and store items based on it. Therefore, if your item has been sold to a pawn shop, that transaction may be illegal. In other words, pawn shops cannot sell items that are known to be stolen or lost. This reminds me of a story from a friend of mine. He works in the precious metal business and one day saw an expensive necklace at a pawn shop. Since he knew the owner of the necklace, he immediately contacted the police and requested an investigation into how the necklace was acquired at the pawn shop. In such cases, pawn shops must cooperate with the investigation.

Law Regarding Lost Property

In Japan, there is a law called the Lost Property Act. This law details the obligations of individuals who find lost property and the requirement to report it to the police. Pawn shops operate under this law and must handle lost property carefully. In particular, when a pawn shop accepts items, the owner must present proper identification. Therefore, if an item sold to a pawn shop is indeed stolen, there is a high likelihood that it will be returned to the owner.

The Emotional Aspect

Now, while I’ve discussed the legal perspective, losing something is indeed a very distressing experience. Imagine searching for a cherished item. You might think, “I’m sure I left it there” or “Maybe my friend who I last saw had it,” and the thoughts can go on endlessly. When I lost my wallet, I searched in my mind countless times. However, there are many lessons to learn from such experiences. It’s important to cherish your belongings and to have knowledge about the procedures in case something is lost. Rather than constantly thinking of the worst-case scenario, being prepared to handle the situation calmly contributes to peace of mind.

Conclusion

Filing a lost property report for items that may have been sold to a pawn shop is a very important procedure. While the police are not obligated to directly check with pawn shops, you are also required to take action. Since pawn shops operate under the law, there is a possibility that your lost property may be found. When you lose something valuable, it’s crucial to remain calm and take action. I hope your belongings come back to you. Thank you for reading until the end!