New Policy on Found and Unclaimed Property Now in Effect at Harris County Sheriff’s Office
Residents across Harris County—including those in Cypress Point—now have a clearer path to recover lost or stolen items, thanks to a newly implemented policy by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). Effective September 1, 2025, the policy brings local procedures in line with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 18.17, which governs the disposition of abandoned or unclaimed personal property.
The public can now view listed items through the Sheriff's Office’s official Found/Abandoned Property Portal—ranging from recovered bicycles and electronics to personal items seized during arrests. But there’s a ticking clock: if no one claims the property within 90 days, it may be disposed of, auctioned, donated, or used for law enforcement, as permitted by law.
What’s New and What It Means for Residents
Previously, notices of unclaimed property were limited to certified mail or printed publication. But as of this year, posting notices online and on social media now meets legal requirements, making it easier for the public to check for missing items.
This change provides greater transparency—and a practical opportunity—for community members to recover belongings they may have lost during moves, emergencies, or thefts. The Sheriff's Office updates its Found/Abandoned Property queue regularly, and each entry starts a 90-day countdown from the date of notice.
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How to Claim an Item: Proof of Ownership Required
To claim property, residents must provide valid proof of ownership, which may include:
- A serial number or product receipt
- A prior police report documenting the item as lost or stolen
- A photograph of the item, preferably with the owner in the image
- A detailed description of unique features, or ability to provide an unlock code or combination
Additionally, a valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID is required at pickup. All inquiries and claims must go through the HCSO Evidence and Property Room, located at:
- Address: 601 Lockwood Drive, Houston, TX 77011
- Phone: 713-274-9310
- Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed on weekends and county holidays)
What Happens If Items Go Unclaimed?
According to state law, once 30 days pass with no owner contact, the property is transferred to county custody. After 90 days, unclaimed property is eligible for:
- Sale (with prior 14-day notice if item value ≥ $500)
- Donation to a charitable cause
- Use by a law enforcement agency, such as a patrol division or training department
- Direct deposit of funds into the county treasury (for unclaimed cash)
Some categories, such as contraband, alcoholic beverages, or evidence in active investigations, are excluded from public claim.
For items seized during Class C misdemeanor arrests, the rules are even faster—if an owner fails to pick up the item within 31 days of release, it may be disposed of without further notice.
If a property is disposed of and later the rightful owner comes forward, they may still claim net proceeds (after costs) within 30 days by applying through the Harris County Commissioners Court.
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Community Awareness is Key
The Harris County Sheriff's Office encourages all residents to “see something, say something”—and now, check something. Whether it’s a misplaced bicycle or a phone picked up by law enforcement, this new process gives residents a chance to get their property back before it’s too late.
To browse the current inventory or learn more about the policy, visit harriscountyso.org/FoundAbandoned/FoundAbandonedQueue.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates on public safety policies, local law enforcement procedures, and neighborhood resources in Cypress Point.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
