Ownership rights

Hi folks


I really hope someone can help me out here.


I recently had my laptop stolen. I reported the matter to the police and made a statement.


Around 10 days later I get a phone call from a gentleman who has my laptop and is asking me for some help with it. He bought my laptop from a store in Wanchai and had a receipt however all my information was on it so he was able to find me. He genuinely believed he purchased a second hand laptop.

He came to meet me, we discussed the problem and naturally we reported the matter to the police.


The police then confiscated the laptop. I was delighted to have found my laptop however now the police are refusing to give me back my property and say I will have to obtain legal advice and a court will decide who owns it as the other man has a receipt for it.


I am baffled by this, surely the police and the person should be getting reimbursed from the shop where they bought the stolen goods.


Today the police called me and tell me I can come and take my information off the laptop but I can not have it back. Wheres the logic.


Couple of bits of info:


1. The laptop is registered in my name

2. I have receipts

3. I did not make an insurance claim as it was not covered so therefore no attempt by me to commit fraud.

4. I gave the serial number of the laptop to the police on reporting of the crime.




Can someone please help me out here?

The Police will need to follow a set of procedures to determine who is the rightful owner of this laptop.

My guess is that they need all parties involved to submit proof.

You may need to consult a lawyer regarding HK law about lost/stolen items.

Fore example if the item was lost, and then found by somebody. At what point (if ever.) does the finder of the item becomes the owner.

If it is stolen, then what is the standard of proof that it is stolen rather than lost.

When they can give it back to you, they will, but it will take time. Mayby many months. Essentially, the police will need legal proof to accuse the shop of having illegally dealt in lost or stolen goods, before they can give you back your property, or force a refund for the buyer.