Web Site Auctions Property Seized by Law Enforcement

Looking for some hot goods?

PropertyRoom.com, a Web site launched this week in San Clemente, auctions goods that were seized or recovered by law enforcement agencies in Southern California.

The parent company, Property Bureau, has agreements with a dozen Southern California police departments, including Fullerton and Garden Grove. By law, departments are required to sell the goods that accumulate in their warehouses. The money usually goes to the city or county.

Enter Property Bureau. Its trucks pick up the merchandise and bring it to a processing center in the city of Industry, where the goods are tested, repaired--if necessary--and appraised before going on the online auction block.

Property Bureau keeps 50% of the proceeds.

“Some people might think that’s a lot,” said President Charles Moffitt. “But holding [offline] auctions is a big hassle and a major expense in some of these police departments.”

The company was founded by a former New York detective and counts former Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates among its advisors. It was launched with about $2 million of start-up funding from friends and families. Plans are in the works for a second processing center, this one in Northern California, Moffitt said.

The Web site also includes a “Steal It Back” section, where visitors can register goods that have been stolen from them. If the items turn up at Property Bureau, they will be returned for free.

Karen Alexander covers high technology for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-5637 or at karen.alexander@latimes.com.