Ask an Officer

Question: My ex-fiancé kicked me out of the house we rent, but all my belonging like furniture and family jewelry are still in the home.  He changed the locks and won’t answer my calls.  I ‘m worried because only his name is on the lease.  These are my things and I think he has no right to keep them from me.  Can the police help me get my belongings back?

Answer from Detective Brian Collins:  This question or type of problem is more common than you think for the Euclid Police Department, so do not be afraid to call us.  When someone has belongings in a residence where they no longer have access, or where there is no longer a cordial relationship with the resident, we advise that person to call police for assistance.  As a department we offer what we refer to as an “assist with belongings.”  This consists of an officer or two accompanying you to the location of your belongings and supervising the safe and peaceful recovery of your things. 

There are a few things to be aware of when calling police for assistance in this manner.  The officers can only be assigned to assist you if no other higher priority call is pending.  We certainly must tend to those in danger or with more pressing issues before assisting with civil property disputes, so please be patient.  You should also come prepared to transport your belongings and bring the needed transportation and people to help.  If you are there to pick up a couch and bed, please bring a truck or van to accommodate the transport of your things and people to help you move them.  We generally will allow you 10-20 minutes to gather your things while we stand by, but in most circumstances we can’t stay much longer.  This can be frustrating I know, but we have several other jobs and obligations that warrant our attention throughout our shift.  If we can accommodate a longer period of time we will but plan accordingly for a 20 minute time frame.  

It is important to realize that as a police department our goal and intentions are simply to keep the peace.  Unfortunately, we wield no power when it comes to civil disputes over property, and in many cases have to defer our citizens to seek civil legal action.  That means that we cannot force your ex, or former spouse for example, to give you the items you desire that are locked in their home.  We are simply a third party to ensure the encounter is safe and peaceful.  In a case were the home owner or lease holder refuses your request to obtain your property, you will have to file a civil suit at the Euclid Municipal Court.