FOI 29959

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: HRC0029959/26

I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 11^th September 2026. Please find below the response to your request:

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act regarding alcoholic drinks seized, retained or otherwise held by your force.

Please provide the following information, where recorded, for each financial year from 2021/22 to 2025/26, and for 2026/27 to the most recent available date:

1. The number of bottles, containers or separately recorded items of alcoholic drink seized or taken into police possession.

2. Where possible, a breakdown by drinks category

3. The recorded estimated, retail, replacement or evidential value of those alcoholic drinks currently held, if such a valuation exists.

4. The force's policy or standard procedure for alcoholic drinks once they are no longer required as evidence or property.

Reply

1. The number of bottles, containers or separately recorded items of alcoholic drink seized or taken into police possession.

2021 – 382

2022 – 411

2023 – 446

2024 – 431

2025 – 326

2026 (up to 11^th September) – 168

2. Where possible, a breakdown by drinks category

No information held, our system does not break down drinks into categories.

3. The recorded estimated, retail, replacement or evidential value of those alcoholic drinks currently held, if such a valuation exists.

No information held, no such valuation exists.

4. The force's policy or standard procedure for alcoholic drinks once they are no longer required as evidence or property.

Once an item is no longer required, it will be returned to the rightful owner. If the item is unclaimed, it is evaluated and any item that is in a suitable condition and not counterfeit is sold via auction. Any other item is drained and place in the recycling.