Finder's claim information
If you are the finder of property you may be eligible to file a Finder’s Claim and gain legal title (ORS 98.005). If the property or money is $100 or more in value and the owner is unknown, the following procedures must be followed under Oregon state law:
- Within 10 days after the finding, you must file a notice in writing to the County Clerk within the county that the money or items were found.
- Within 20 days after the finding, you must publish, in a newspaper of general circulation in Multnomah County, a notice of the finding.
- You must do this once each week for two consecutive weeks.
- The notice must state the general description of the property, your name and the final date that the goods may be claimed by the owner, which is 90 days after the Notice of Finding is filed with the County Clerk.
Once the above steps are completed and no claim has been made on the property, you may contact the Gresham Police Department Property and Evidence Section at 503-618-2045 to schedule an appointment. Due to staffing shortages, inquires may take longer than normal to respond to.
You must present valid photo ID and one of the following:
- Property in custody form listing you as the owner of the property. This form is provided by Police when an incident occurs.
- Notarized release form from the owner of the property granting authority to retrieve their property.
Owner’s information
If you observe your property listed in a notice, or receive a letter from the Gresham Police Department, call 503-618-2045 for additional instructions. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership and/or detailed item description.
Found property will be held for a period of 60 days before it is considered unclaimed.