The popular lost property auction at the Ordnungsamt had to take a break in recent months due to Corona. In 2020, not a single event could be held on site so far. But there has been another way to get new treasures for some time, because since May the Ordnungsamt offers the auctions online. Through Customs' federal, state and local virtual auction house at https://www.zoll-auktion.de/auktion/auktionsuebersicht.php?katid=208&page=3 smartphones, bicycles, jewellery and watches as well as tools and all kinds of other lost property are given away to the highest bidder*.
The digital concept has been a success: since the end of May, lost property has been auctioned off for over 30,000 euros. Money that flows into the city budget. Smartphones are doing particularly well, with around 13,500 euros in proceeds so far, as well as bicycles and jewellery - including watches - with around 7500 euros each. The result even tops that of the usual auctions on site at the Ordnungsamt.
The online auction of found objects is going better than initially expected. It is the perfect alternative for the auctions usually held at the Ordnungsamt. Here, the public order office mainly offers lost property items that are considered to be high-priced and have neither been picked up by losers nor claimed by finders. Items bought by auction are sent all over Europe. Only bicycles have to be collected directly from the office. The lost property office will continue this successful strategy after the Corona period and will continue to offer lost property online in addition to the on-site auctions.
