Specialist Crime

Operation Rize raids - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am an innocent customer of the facility being raided. How do I claim my valuables, which I had stored there?
The number for members of public who legitimately store property at the facility is free phone number 0800 030 4613. This line is open from 9am to 3pm. We have been experiencing a high volume of calls and there may be a delay. Please bear with us we will get to you as soon as possible. If you have registered your interest with the call centre, wait to be contacted unless you need URGENT restoration such as the return of a passport for imminent travel.

Q. Are my valuables and property secure?
A. Each box will be handled and packaged by forensically trained staff. All boxes are being stored in a very secure location . Members of public should be reassured that all items will be carefully handled. Measures have been in place from the outset to protect the integrity of each individual box and that process remains in existence.

Q. When will my valuables be restored to me?
A. We will endeavour to return items to their legitimate owners as soon as practicable. Unless urgent restoration is required, please wait to be contacted further.

Q. What should I do if I am phoning on behalf of a relative abroad who has valuables stored at the facility?
A. If you are phoning on behalf of a family member please ensure that you have the safety deposit box number before phoning. This will then be recorded. You need to make it clear that you are calling on behalf of another person.

Q. I have ancient documents / religious items stored at the facility. Will they be treated appropriately and with respect?
A. Members of the public should be reassured that all items will be carefully handled and stored. If your box contains ancient or religious items that you are concerned should be handled with particular care or practice, please specify when registering your box via the free phone number, detailing any special handling requirements you may have.

Q. My family member is getting married and I need access to my jewellery. When will this be restored to me?
A. We are aware and appreciate that there may be special occasions/marriages planned where such jewellery items are required. We will endeavour to return these valuable items to their legitimate owners as soon as possible and ask members of the public to bear with us. If your case is genuinely urgent, you should state this.

Q. I urgently require my stored personal documents for business/travel purposes. What should I do?
A. Members of the public are asked to identify specific details, which will enable us to prioritise restoration of property in appropriate cases. This should include specific dates of travel etc.

Q. What powers are you using in conducting the search warrants?
A.Searches have been conducted under authority of warrants issued under the Proceeds of Crime. The authority of the warrant extends to the opening of all safe deposit boxes within Hampstead, Edgware and Park Street Safe Depositories in addition to other premises.

Q. What plans have police put in place to restore items to their owners?
A. Police have opened a restoration centre where the police are successfully restoring genuinely held items to their rightful owners, against proof of ownership. Owners are being contacted and provided with a mutually convenient appointment time to attend the centre. Please do not call the call centre to arrange an appointment this will be done by a dedicated team of officers.

Q. I have recently received a letter from the owners of the safe depository asking me to renew my custom. What is the advice of the Metropolitan Police Service?
A. It is a matter for individuals to decide whether they wish to renew their custom. The MPS cannot comment on a private contract between you and the owners of the safe depositories.

Q. If I tell police I have particular items will I get them back quicker?
A. You must make every effort to give full and accurate details of property as inconsistencies can cause unnecessary delays to police investigations resulting in delay to the restoration of property.