Police auctions are great places to find vehicles below value. While you can find electronics and other confiscated goods a a police auction, most participants are there for bidding on cars and trucks. While these auctions are run similarly to any other auction, there are some differences. In the article below I will share about how police auctions work, how they differ from other auctions, and where to find them locally. I will also share my experience with the police auctions near me.

Map of Police Auction Near Me

For “police auctions near me” see below for locations…

What is a Police Auction?

A police auction works just like a conventional auction, where individuals can bid on and purchase goods. The difference is that these are stolen goods which have been confiscated by the police.

The police will usually return confiscated items to their rightful owners; however, when this is not possible, the items seized are sold at a police auction. Police auctions are incredibly popular because you can snap up goods for great prices!

You might be wondering why police auctions exist in the first place? Well, the fact is that the police force doesn’t have the space to store all the confiscated items that they acquire. When it’s evident that the seized item cannot be returned, the police force uses auctions to legally pass on the seized goods.

police auction

What Can You Buy at a Police Auction?

At a police auction, you can find a wide array of objects from cars to clothing and electronics items. Some auctions sell jewelry, furniture, bikes, or children’s toys. You might also find old police equipment or surplus property for sale at a police auction. The biggest draw of a police auction is that you can get all these goods for a cheap price! The condition of the items varies from brand new to second-hand, (which is also reflected in the prices).

Most people come to the police auctions near me to bid on vehicles. I would say about 75% of the sales, all the active bidders are there with interest in walking away with a vehicle below market value. The crowd is a mix of dealers and the public looking for action.

How Do Police Auctions Near Me Work?

An auction is a means of purchasing and selling goods using a bidding format. Each bidder competes with one another, and the individual who offers the contract at the highest price eventually wins the contract. An auctioneer begins by pricing items low, and this attracts more bids. As the price creeps up, there are less bids, and eventually the highest bidder triumphs!

If you are the winner you will need to be prepared to haul away the goods, pay the bill, and pay the taxes.

Many people are worried about the legalities, but the fact is that purchasing stolen goods is completely legal (so long as it’s through an official police auction)! No item will ever be sold in a police auction until every possible effort has been made to return the goods to their rightful owner.

Police forces often use auction houses to sell and dispose of these confiscated goods. Individuals are free to attend these events in person and start their bidding! If you prefer to join in from home some police forces run official eBay stores where you can bid on online auctions.

When you attend a sale at an auction house, you’ll be able to go take a look at the items before that auction starts. It’s a great way to plan what you want to bid on before the sale or auction gets underway.

Police Auctions Near Me

Understanding The Risks of Bidding on Seized Vehicles

A standard auto auction isn’t quite like your local police auction. These vehicles are sold as is, likely don’t have service records, may not have ownership history, the vehicles could have sketchy CarFax reports, and maybe have been salvaged or rebuilt titles. All of that is part of what makes the vehicles and the price cheap, but it also means you could spend a lot of money on repairs.

If you are bidding on vehicles in police auctions or online auctions, it is much more challenging to get a feel for the vehicle’s quality. I much prefer attending the police auctions near me in person so I can visually inspect the auto. Does it have rust? does it smell musty? are there leaks? does it run? I don’t care what someone says on the internet description, no one has ever bought an auctioned vehicle online, paid nothing and when it shows up at your house thought “Wow this better than they said”.

How to Find Police Auctions Near Me?

To find a police auction you should check out the websites of your local or state police station; there should be details here about upcoming events. The map above on this page will show you your best local events. Google and Yelp are also good search resources as well as searching for and calling police impound lots.

Other Resources to Bid on Confiscated and Seized Vehicles

Aside from finding your local police auctions near me, you may also want to consider government auctions. Here are my two favorite resources for those:

Similar to police auctions, which are localized these get more into Fed and State seizures. Some items are open for live auctions and some are open for online only. You can also look at Copart for cheap vehicles and repo auctions as well.

You can also check out our homepage here you can find a wide range of auctions close by, including free police auctions. Before you take yourself on a shopping spree, be sure to check out this free website and see which kinds of auctions are running in your local area!

Benefits of Buying from Police Auctions

police auction happening

Police auctions offer a unique opportunity for buyers to access a variety of items seized by law enforcement agencies. These auctions are not just a way to dispose of unclaimed or forfeited property, but they also present some distinct advantages for the savvy shopper.

Significant Cost Savings

One of the most compelling reasons to consider police auctions is the potential for significant cost savings. Items seized during police operations, ranging from vehicles to electronics, are often sold at prices much lower than their retail value. This is because the primary goal of these auctions is not profit, but rather to quickly dispose of surplus property, in a manner that is open to the public. As a result, you can often find high-value items like diamonds or electronics being sold for a fraction of their usual cost.

Discovering Unique and Rare Finds

Another exciting aspect of police auctions is the chance to uncover unique finds. Unlike regular retail stores or online marketplaces, police auctions can feature a wide array of properties that you wouldn’t typically find elsewhere. This could include rare collectibles, vintage items, or even high-value diamonds and jewelry. The nature of these auctions means that the inventory is always changing, offering a sense of adventure and discovery for attendees.

Open to All

Police auctions are typically open to the general public, which means anyone can participate. This openness ensures a level playing field where both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers can engage in the bidding and sales process. Moreover, the sales process in these auctions is transparent, allowing you to see and assess the items before placing a bid.

No Warranty, But Worth the Gamble

It’s important to note that items bought at police auctions usually come without a warranty. This means that buyers should be prepared to accept items ‘as-is’, which might sometimes include rejected or slightly damaged goods. However, the low prices paid can often offset this risk, making it a worthwhile gamble for many.

In conclusion, police auctions are an excellent avenue for those looking to save money or find something extraordinary. Whether it’s the allure of diamonds at a lower cost or the thrill of discovering a rare item, these auctions provide a unique shopping experience. Remember to always do your own search and due diligence, check the email listings for upcoming auctions, and prepare for an exciting search for hidden treasures.

Police Auctions Near Me – Final Thoughts

These are fun events to attend, but they can get competitive. Like any vehicle auction, you should know what you are doing and have an understanding of what you are bidding on and the risks. There are certain rules certain states have that limit the number of vehicles you can buy and sell in a year. So depending on your state and how you plan on bidding, you may need to get a dealer’s license. This is what I have learned from the police auctions near me to date.