A man whose cousin was arrested and charged with larceny by finding has expressed great concern that such a charge was brought against his relative.

He outlined that his relative was walking along a road in his community when he found a particular item. He said his cousin took home the item.

Found item

According to the man, one day his cousin was showing a friend the item he had found. The friend said it looked familiar, and was going to make certain checks.

"About 30 minutes later, my cousin's friend returned with a woman who said she wanted to see the item," the man said.

"My cousin said he was not showing her anything, and she should leave his premises.

"The next day, the woman returned with a policeman, who demanded to see the item.

"My cousin told the policeman that he found the item a few weeks ago. The woman examined the item and said it belonged to her. She even pointed to certain marks on the item which, she said ,she had made.

"She told the police she had a receipt for the item and the police took the item and went away. The next day the policeman returned and said my cousin should come to the police station with him because he was going to charge him for the item.

"I was present when the policeman came. I told him that my cousin did not steal the item, he had, in fact, found it.

The policeman remarked that it was not his concern. He said the owner had a receipt for the item.

"Now, my cousin has to go to court for something he did not steal. My cousin told the truth as to how he came in possession of the item, and I don't think he should be charged for something he did not steal. My cousin is now charged with larceny by finding, and the matter is now before the court. I really don't think it is fair," the man remarked.

It is an offence if a person finds an item and keeps it. The proper thing to do is to take the item to the nearest police station.