If you'd like to claim any property that you found, you are required to do the following:
Within 7 days of the finding:
- Acquire a signed statement with an appraisal of the current market value of the property. This statement must be prepared by a qualified person who engages in buying or selling like items, or by a district court judge. If the found property is cash, a signed statement is not required.
- Bring the found property and a copy of the signed appraisal to the Bothell Police Department.
- Serve written notice to the Bothell Police Department of your intent to claim the property in the event the real owner does not claim the property.
You may claim the found property if:
- The property is not illegal for you to possess.
- 60 days have elapsed since you reported the finding to the Bothell Police Department. The property must be claimed between 60 and 90 days of the finding.
- You provide proof that all items listed above have been satisfied.
If the property is valued at more than $25, cash payment is made to the City of Bothell in the amount of $5 or 10% of the appraised value of the property, whichever is greater.
This payment shall be deposited into the City of Bothell's General Fund.
For additional information, or questions related to found property, call the Property/Evidence officer of the Bothell Police Department at 425-487-5130.
The above requirements are set by Washington State Law.
Read RCW 63.21.010