Intellectual Property Law

Has anyone ever had stolen property returned, example : firearms?

if the police recover weapons that were reported stolen, what are the chances of the owner getting them back? what can the owner do to make sure the weapon /s are returned.

Public Comments

1. <>First off, make sure you have a record of the serial numbers. Next, I would indelibly engrave some identifying mark (your initials, driver's license number, etc.) someplace not-too-noticeable on the weapon (inside the trigger guard, for example). If they are stolen, get a copy of the police report and follow up with the agency at regular intervals to find out the status of the case. If they are recovered, find out when the case will be tried...you are entitled to the property back after the court case is decided.
2. Well the best thing to do is have a couple copies of all the guns you have wrote down, with the serial number, model, and any extra descriptions such as scopes, mounts, unique stocks you've added, straps, etc. It doesn't hurt to add hidden engraved marks, stickers, or maybe even a burn mark somewhere on the gun that is hard to find, or hidden. A good place for these if it's a rifle with a removable wooden or plastic stock is to remove it, and where it fits together with the receiver, etch some marks like a Drivers License Number, your Date of Birth, or just a weird word like Mashed Potatoes. When a gun is missing, report the serial number off the gun to the police. If they do find it, they will return it soon thereafter. If the serial number is filed off, then your chances of getting it back are slim to none, unless you can provide overwhelming evidence that it is yours, such as describing the extras as I mentioned above, or any unique scratches on the stock that you may remember. Depends on local laws, but once the Serial Number is removed, or if the gun was used in a crime you will most likely not receive the firearm back to your possession.