§ 12-10. Release of stolen property.

(a) In general.

A dealer shall release to the Police Department any item in the dealer's possession if:

(1) the item is established to be stolen;

(2) the owner of the item or the victim of the theft has:

(i) positively identified the item; and

(ii) provided an affidavit of ownership or previously made a report of the theft to a law enforcement agency;

(3) the stolen property report describes the item by:

(i) date;

(ii) initials;

(iii) an insurance record;

(iv) a photograph;

(v) a sales receipt;

(vi) a serial number;

(vii) specific damage;

(viii) a statement of facts that show the item is one of a kind; or

(ix) a unique engraving; and

(4) the dealer is given a receipt for the item released.

(b) Return to owner.

When the police no longer need an item for evidence, it shall be returned to the owner.

A dealer who is required to release an item under this section is not entitled to demand, or to condition the release on, any reimbursement from:

(1) the Police Department;

(2) the owner of the item; or

(3) the victim of the theft.