1. Purpose

This policy outlines how D & H Harrod Coaches manages lost, found, and unclaimed property on its coaches and premises. It ensures a fair, transparent, and secure process for handling personal belongings of both children and adults.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All passengers (children and adults)

• All employees and contractors of D & H Harrods Coaches

• All company vehicles, depots, and offices

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3. Definition of Lost Property

“Lost property” refers to any personal belongings left behind by passengers on a D & H Harrods Coaches coach or in associated facilities. Examples include:

• Bags, clothing, books, and school items

• Electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops)

• Wallets, purses, money, or ID documents

• Medication or medical equipment

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4. Responsibilities

Drivers and Staff

• Conduct a thorough check of the coach at the end of each journey or shift.

• Securely collect any items found and record them in the Lost Property Log.

• Hand in all found items to the depot or office within 24 hours.

• Report any suspicious or hazardous items immediately to management.

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Management

• Maintain a secure storage area for lost property.

• Keep accurate records of all items found, returned, or disposed of.

• Handle sensitive or valuable items (e.g., passports, phones, medication) according to legal and safeguarding requirements.

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5. Procedures for Lost Property

 

a. Recording

All found items are logged with:

• Date and time found

• Description of the item

• Vehicle registration or route

• Name of the staff member who found the item

• Condition of the item

b. Storage

Items are kept in a secure location for up to 28 days, unless otherwise required by law.

 

c. Return to Owner

To claim lost property, passengers (or a parent/guardian, if a child) must:

• Provide a detailed description of the item

• Provide proof of ownership or identification where possible

• Sign the Lost Property Log upon collection

For school groups, lost items may be returned directly to the school’s designated contact.

 

d. Unclaimed Items

After 28 days:

• Items of low value may be donated to charity or disposed of responsibly.

• Valuables (e.g., electronics, jewellery) may be handed to local authorities.

• Personal data (e.g., documents) will be destroyed securely.

 

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6. Special Considerations for Children

• Items belonging to school-aged children will, where possible, be returned through their school or group leader.

• Staff will never deliver lost items directly to a child without the involvement of a responsible adult or guardian.

• Any lost medication or medical items will be handled with priority and reported immediately to the school or parent/guardian.

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7. Liability

D & H Harrods Coaches is not liable for loss, theft, or damage to passengers’ personal belongings left on company property. However, every reasonable effort will be made to locate and return lost items.

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8. Review and Training

• This policy will be reviewed annually or following any incident requiring procedural change.

• All staff will receive training on the lost property procedure as part of their induction and ongoing compliance program.

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