Storage locker auctions

[Jks9199]

My wife has suddenly gotten into watching this show about guys buying storage lockers where the renter has defaulted. She came up with a really good question. The way these auctions seem to work is that the storage facility gets a lien when the renter goes into default, and gets authorization to auction the contents against the bill. They then auction it -- without a clue as to what's in it.

So... my wife's question: What if the contents turn out to be illegal, like drugs or a meth lab, or obviously stolen property? What happens then?

[Jenna]

So... my wife's question: What if the contents turn out to be illegal, like drugs or a meth lab, or obviously stolen property? What happens then?

Or weapons of mass destruction, or monsters?

[Ducky]

I know there was a case where a guy bought a car at auction and took it to his mechanic to figure out why the handling or something was funny, and the mechanic found a big ass brick of pot blocking something vital. No charges. I should imagine the buyer of the unknown contents would be free of charges as well unless they decided to keep the goodies. That said, the former owner would likely get a lot of scrutiny.

Anyone else remember the smoke preserved leg that was in an auctioned lot?
http://www2.statesville.com/news/200...ends-ar-87165/

[BigDawg]

I would think that once you know that the items purchased were illegal, (drugs, weapons, stolen items) your obligated to notify the police. If that is done your clear of charges, but out your money. If you dont contact the police once you know that its illegal then you can be charged.


Most state laws on receiving stolen property or such is the wording, "knowingly receiving"

[keith720]

I would think that once you know that the items purchased were illegal, (drugs, weapons, stolen items) your obligated to notify the police. If that is done your clear of charges, but out your money. If you dont contact the police once you know that its illegal then you can be charged.


Most state laws on receiving stolen property or such is the wording, "knowingly receiving"

I'd go with that answer.If you find something illegal, call the cops.

[Cidp24]

I think that if I were bidding on a locker, I would want an agreement that if the contents are contraband of some type, the sale is void.

Every time I see a storage facility, I wonder just what kind of illegal/dangerous items might be in there.

[Jks9199]

In terms of find it, must report it -- yeah, I was on the same page. If they find it, and continue to possess or conceal it without taking appropriate steps to report it, then they've bought the problems. (sorry, couldn't resist the pun)

But -- are they out the money? I guess so... and I go with Cid -- I'd want some wording in the auction about a situation like that!

I had a screwy stolen vehicle recovery that I did follow up on. Car was reported stolen, original agency delayed extensively (weeks) on entering it. Meanwhile, it was towed the day it was stolen for parking on private property. Eventually sold at auction (and twice after auction)... while the insurance company paid off the original victim. I finally closed it civil -- not my problem and let a judge decide who gets what money back!