Academic Handbook Operations

Lost Property Policy

Introduction

  1. Members of Northeastern University London (the University) who find items around the campus are encouraged to hand in lost property to the Hub area (First Point), who will pass it on to Facilities for safe storing. Contractors (such as cleaning services, and security) will hand in lost property items each evening.
    1. Accurate description of the item (item, make or model, colour, any defining features).
    2. Where you last had the item.
    3. When you believe the item was misplaced/lost.
  2. The University will attempt to contact the owner of any lost property providing there is sufficient information available on the item to do so, such as a name or phone number. Facilities may look through personal items (like a bag or wallet for example) to check if any items have details of the owner.

Handling of Lost Property

Property Containing Personal Information

  1. Any items containing personal identifiable information will be stored for one month. After this period the University will make the following arrangements:
    1. Lost UK passports will be returned to His Majesty’s Passport Office.
    2. Lost UK Driver’s licences will be returned to the DVLA.
    3. The University will contact the relevant embassy for any international documentation.
    4. Bank cards will be securely destroyed.

Other Lost Property

  1. Lost property that does not contain personal identifiable information is kept on campus for 3 months. If lost property has not been claimed after that period, the University will arrange for the items to be donated to charity or recycled where possible.
  2. The University may display lost property in the Campus Hub during the last week of each term. Appropriate items considered are clothing, tupperware, and other inexpensive items. Sensitive personal unidentifiable items, such as a personal diary, notebook, or electronics are excluded from display.

Stolen Items

  1. Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of theft and their item has been stolen while on University premises should immediately report this to onsite security or Facilities.

Liability

  1. The University is not responsible for any damage, liability or theft related to lost property. The University insurance does not provide cover to the community in this respect.

Lost Property Reporting Procedure

Staff and Students

  1. Staff and students who have lost personal property at Northeastern University London’s (the University’s) campus should email Facilities and include as much information about the item as possible, such as:
    1. An accurate description of the item (make or model, colour, any defining features).
    2. Where the item was last seen.
    3. When the item is believed to have been misplaced or lost.
  2. If the University has the item onsite, Facilities will respond to the enquiry and arrange for collection from the Campus Hub. The University will not post out members’ property unless it is not reasonably practicable for the owner to attend the University to collect it. In the event that the University needs to post lost property, the recipient may be charged for postage of the item.

Visitors

  1. Visitors who believe they have lost property on a visit to the University should email their onsite contact, who will liaise with Facilities accordingly. Please provide as much detail regarding the item as possible, as outlined above.

Version History

Title: Lost Property Policy

Approved by: Executive Committee

Location: Academic Handbook/ Policies and Procedures/ General/ Operations

Version Number Date Approved Date Published  Owner  Proposed Next Review Date
24.2.0 August 2024 August 2024 Director of Resourcing and Operations September 2026
Version numbering system revised March 2023
1.1 January 2023 January 2023 Director of Resourcing and Operations September 2023
1.0 September 2021 September 2021 Director of Resourcing and Operations September 2023
Referenced documents None.
External Reference Point(s) None.