Vancouver Police auction set for this weekend

It’s that time of year again.

The annual Vancouver Police Department Recovered Goods Auction is set for this weekend, with a public preview scheduled for Thursday and Friday. The items were recovered by police over the past year, as a result of investigations for break-ins, possession of stolen property, fraud or items recovered from stolen vehicles.

Robert Kavanagh, an auctioneer with Able Auctions, says this year’s spread features the usual: electronics, power tools and expensive jewelry. He says this year’s selection of bicycles, although small, features more high-end models.

“The quality’s up a notch this year,” said Kavanagh. “Nicer bikes this year, it seems.”

The most unusual item recovered this year: a wheelchair. A $10,000 ladies Rolex watch will also be available for bidding.

For anyone planning on attending this year’s auction, Ian Wightman, manager of the Vancouver Police Forensic Storage Unit, says potential bidders should come prepared with a plan.

“Look at Craigslist, look at Buy and Sell, look wherever you can and come up with a number in your head. If it’s a bicycle and it retails at $2,500, and you’re prepared to spend $1,000 on that bicycle, write $1,000 down… and when it gets to over $1,000, sit on your hands. Don’t continue bidding.”

For the full item list, go here.