How to get your property back

If the police department is holding your belongings for safekeeping, or if you lost something that was found and turned in, you can pick it up at the Evidence Unit.

Found items

The police department will hold found items for 180 days. Bicycles are only held for 60 days. If you lost something, call the Evidence Unit at (828) 232-4576 to see if they have it.

Picking up a firearm (gun)

There are special rules for getting a gun back:

  • An appointment is required. You must call (828) 232-4576 to schedule a time. No walk-ins are allowed for firearms. This is so the Evidence Unit can prepare the paperwork.
  • An ID is needed. You must be a North Carolina resident and show a valid NC ID to pick it up in person. If you live outside of NC, our evidence unit cannot hand you the gun. They must ship it to your local police department instead. You must have the information for your local police department for shipping.

Common questions

  • When can I go? The unit is open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (gun pickups must be before 4:00 pm).
  • Can someone else pick up my stuff? Yes, but they need a notarized Release of Personal Property letter from you giving them permission and their own photo ID. 
  • What if my items are “evidence”? If your things are part of a court case, you need permission from the District Attorney’s office (828) 259-3410 or a judge before the police department can give them back.
  • How do I get items belonging to someone who passed away? You will need to show “probate” paperwork from the court. The Victim Services Unit can help you if you’re unsure how to do this. Learn how the Victim Services Unit can help.
  • Can my things be mailed to me? Only if you live outside the Asheville area. Call the evidence unit (828) 232-4576 for more information.
    The entrance to the property unit, a large door on a brick building with railing outside.
    The public entrance to the Asheville Police Department’s Evidence Unit

Location and contact

The Evidence Unit public entrance is located on the back Southeast corner of the Municipal Building (police headquarters), facing S Spruce Street, with an additional entrance on the building’s south side.

You may use the public parking spots in front of the main building (facing the park/green space).

Address and phone

Asheville Police Department Evidence Unit
Physical Address: 100 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801
Mailing Address: PO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802
Phone: (828) 232-4576 (available Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)

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