Report Stolen Goods from Secondhand Dealers - Denver Law

Business and Consumer Protection Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Denver, Colorado residents and businesses who suspect items sold by secondhand dealers are stolen must report concerns promptly to licensing and police authorities. This guide explains who enforces secondhand-dealer rules in Denver, how to report, what documentation to preserve, and practical steps for investigations and appeals.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is primarily handled by the City of Denver Department of Excise and Licenses for licensing and regulatory compliance and by the Denver Police Department for criminal investigations and recovery of stolen property. For licensing action and compliance guidance see the City licensing pages Denver Excise & Licenses[1]. For police reporting and property/evidence processes see Denver Police Department property and evidence pages Denver Police Department[2]. If specific fines, fee amounts, or statutory penalty tables are required, they are not specified on the cited pages and are shown below as "not specified on the cited page." Current as of February 2026.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; licensing sanctions may include monetary penalties tied to license violations.
  • Escalation: not specified on the cited page; typical progression is warning, fine, suspension, revocation for repeat or serious violations.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: license suspension or revocation, business closure orders, seizure of goods by police when tied to criminal investigations.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Denver Department of Excise & Licenses handles licensing complaints; Denver Police handles criminal reports and evidence custody.
  • Appeals and review: procedural appeals typically use the administrative review or hearing processes under the licensing rules; exact time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Keep transaction records, photos, and seller contact details to support recovery and enforcement.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes licensing applications for pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers via the Department of Excise & Licenses; specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission steps are not specified on the cited page. For licensing applications and submission methods consult the Denver Excise & Licenses site.[1]

How to Report Suspected Stolen Goods

Follow these practical steps to notify authorities and preserve evidence for Denver investigations.

  • Document the item: note serial numbers, unique marks, and take dated photos.
  • Collect transaction records: keep receipts, seller IDs, and any correspondence.
  • Report to the dealer’s licensing authority: submit a complaint to Denver Excise & Licenses for suspected licensing violations.[1]
  • File a police report: contact Denver Police to report suspected stolen property and provide your documentation.[2]
  • If the item is evidence in a crime, cooperate with police and preserve chain-of-custody information.
Report quickly and preserve original receipts and photos to improve recovery chances.

Common Violations

  • Failure to maintain transaction records for required period.
  • Accepting goods without verifying seller identity or required documentation.
  • Failure to notify police or submit required reports when items match stolen-property reports.

FAQ

Who enforces rules for secondhand dealers in Denver?
The City of Denver Department of Excise & Licenses enforces licensing and administrative rules; the Denver Police Department handles criminal investigations and evidence recovery.
Do I have to provide proof before police act?
Police accept reports with available evidence such as serial numbers, receipts, or photos; stronger documentation speeds investigation but police will still take reports and assess probable cause.
Can a dealer be fined or lose its license?
Yes. Administrative sanctions such as fines, suspension, or revocation are possible under city licensing rules, though specific amounts are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Immediately photograph the item and record serial numbers or identifying marks.
  2. Secure copies of any receipts, seller IDs, and transaction logs from the dealer.
  3. File a police report with the Denver Police Department and provide all documentation.[2]
  4. Submit a licensing complaint to Denver Excise & Licenses with evidence of the transaction.[1]
  5. If requested, appear for interviews or administrative hearings and preserve originals of all documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Preserve receipts, photos, and serial numbers immediately.
  • Report both to Denver Police and to the City licensing authority for full administrative and criminal review.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Denver Excise & Licenses - official licensing and complaint resources
  2. [2] Denver Police Department - reporting, property, and evidence information

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