If you have found or lost an item, such as an ID card, keys, backpack, or valuables, you can report this to the relevant lost property office.
If the lost property is worth more than €10, you are obliged to report it. The report must be made immediately, i.e. as soon as possible. The report of lost or found property must include details of the place and time of the find or loss, as well as a description of the lost or found property that is as accurate as possible.
Whether you have lost something or are looking for something, you should provide your contact details so that you can be notified if necessary. As the finder, you are entitled under certain circumstances to the found item (acquisition of ownership) or a finder's fee or reimbursement of expenses.
If you have lost something, you can ask the lost property office to issue a loss certificate for your insurance company.
The lost property office is obliged to keep lost property for at least 6 months.
Animals are also considered lost property. If you have found an animal, you should contact the lost property office and report the find there. The animal will then usually be taken to an animal shelter for further care.
Tip: If you lose items in vehicles or facilities belonging to transport companies, please contact the respective passenger service directly.
If owners do not come forward within the 6-month retention period, finders are entitled to the found item. If they do not exercise this right, the state capital of Mainz becomes the owner.
After the retention period has expired in accordance with § 973 BGB (German Civil Code), the lost property is auctioned off:
- We schedule these auctions as needed.
- As a rule, auctions take place once a year.
- You can find the auction dates on the Internet at www.mainz.de or in the local press.
- We store lost property for at least 6 months.
We announce the auction conditions before the auction begins. The proceeds from the auction go to the state capital's budget.
VV dated October 30, 1995 Handling of lost property
- Notification: immediately (within 2 weeks if possible)
- Retention period for lost property: 6 months from the date of notification of discovery
Note:
Food, luxury foods, medicines, and chemicals are disposed of immediately.
case-specific, individual