Going Once, Going Twice, Police Department Auctions Off Seized Items
Throughout the year, the Belize Police Department comes into possession of a number of items through raids, seizures and spot checks that are conducted across the country. Many times, those items are left with the department long after they are used as evidence in court cases. But whatever personal possessions civilians do not claim within a six-month period after the court disposes of the case is then sold. Today the department held an auction after a couple years on pause. News Five’s Marion Ali was there and has this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
It’s an annual event for the Belize Police Department, but since COVID, the department has put a hold on its auction. The event gives civilians a chance to take home secondhand items at extremely cheap prices. It also clears the inventory to make space for fresh seizures or stolen items. Hector Rodriguez was the officer from the Prosecutions Branch in charge of the event.
Hector Rodriguez
Hector Rodriguez, Officer Commanding Prosecutions Branch
“We had bicycles, mainly bicycles, motorcycles and a few electronic items as well.”
Marion Ali
“And they came from?”
Hector Rodriguez
“They came from different districts. Some of the items are found property, or abandoned property. Some of them are items that are concluded in court and have been forfeited to the government of Belize.”
But not everything that is forfeited is sold to the public.
Hector Rodriguez
“Only items that can be used safely by the public, or can be repaired and make use of, those are the items that are sold.”
Marion Ali
“No guns, no kinds of weapons. No bullet-proof vests?”
Hector Rodriguez
“No. Apart from the bicycles and the motorcycles, we also had a few TVs, laptops and electronic devices.”
Marion Ali
“No cars?”
Hector Rodriguez
“No, no cars.”
One woman we met brought a pick-up truck to load a stash of damaged bicycles and motorcycles she had just purchased. Ms Graham told us off-camera that with a little repair or replacement of parts, her entire family will be mobile.
Marion Ali
“What’s all this?”
Voice of: Ms. Graham
Voice of: Ms. Graham, Purchaser
“It’s a motorcycle and a couple, two motorcycle and a couple bicycle.”
Marion Ali
“Okay, so you paid how much for those?”
Ms Graham
“Different price, the bicycle dehn da $5 and the motorcycle varies for one change to two change.”
Marion Ali
“Is it a business for you? Like, will you like repair them and sell them again or…”
Voice of: Ms. Graham
“No, I buy it for my personal use. I will repair it and use them.”
Marion Ali
“That’s a lot of modes of, of transportation.”
Voice of: Ms Graham
“Yes, because I have kids, so yes, for my family.”
Marion Ali
“How difficult is it to repair like the motorcycles? Some of them are crushed vehicles.”
Voice of: Ms Graham
“Well, if you get one in a really bad shape then ih wa be kinda difficult, but the ones dehn weh I I get nuh really eena wa bad shape to that extent soh that the minor lee wiring and change the body and yoh good.”
Marion Ali for News Five.
