How to Find Bargains at Government and Police Auctions

Police Auctions are auctions held by the police to sell items they have come across as part of their duties - such as seized property, unclaimed, lost or stolen property. Property that has been used in a crime, or is purchased with proceeds from a crime, can be auctioned.

For example, a convicted drug dealer purchased a home and boat with proceeds from his criminal activities. The home, boat, and anything else deemed to have been bought with money raised from his drug dealings will be seized and sold at auction.

Government Auctions are auctions held by government authorities to sell goods that are surplus or obsolete, seized by government departments, or not needed as a result of a department closing or being upgraded. Agencies auctioning goods can include tax departments, customs, drug/alcohol enforcement, border patrol, federal investigative agencies and the like.

For instance, customs auction property found or handed in at airports, or seized in raids or as part of investigations, while the tax department auctions off houses or cars to cover taxes that have not been paid. The local council can update their office furniture and sell off the old desks and chairs at an auction. Real estate can be sold when an owner defaults on their payments - it's a great way to get your hands on a cheap golf course!

Some of the things sold at either Police or government auctions can include, but are not limited to : cars, computers, boats, land, furniture, trucks, electrical goods, entertainment items, motorcycles, bicycles, power tools, airplanes, sporting goods, vehicle accessories, houses, apartments, buildings, jewelry, fixtures, unclaimed baggage, books, jet skis, farm equipment, guns, collectibles, and business or building supplies, scientific equipment, heavy machinery, and cattle or livestock.

Items can be sold through a third party (auction house), on the internet, or at a government site/Police building. They are not always advertised, and the ones not advertised ('hidden auctions') are sometimes the best to attend - finding out where they are can be a real challenge though. It can pay off when you finally get there, though, and you're one of the only bidders around!

Items can be sold via a regular auction or a fixed price sale. Fixed price sales still carry the same warnings (see the tips we explain in the later chapters).

Police and government auctions are a great place to pick up a cheap deal, as items have either been written off (they have no value to the department) or they were not actually paid for in the first place (in the case of seized property that remains unclaimed).

The government/Police are not out to make a profit, so things are sometimes sold far below cost price, guaranteeing the buyer gets a great deal.

The other benefit is that as the money goes into the government's coffers, it offsets the costs of running the country so the taxpayers gain again! In fact, the tax payer by law should be offered first bite of the cherry when it comes to excess inventory.

Government and/or Police auctions are great for finding a bargain, but beware - see the "Government and Police Auction Warnings" section. Nevertheless, with some research and a little daring, bidding on an item at auction can be fun, and you might end up with a great deal!