Montgomery Hall Theatre Lost Property Policy

Policy Version: 1.0

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1. Introduction

Montgomery Hall Theatre understands that personal belongings may occasionally be lost or misplaced during a visit to the theatre.

This Lost Property Policy explains how lost items are managed, stored and returned to their rightful owners, and outlines our responsibilities and those of our visitors.

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2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Provide a clear process for handling lost property.

• Assist visitors in recovering lost belongings.

• Ensure lost items are managed fairly and securely.

• Establish a consistent retention and disposal procedure.

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3. Reporting Lost Property

If you believe you have lost an item whilst visiting Montgomery Hall Theatre, please contact the Box Office as soon as possible.

When reporting a lost item, please provide as much information as possible, including:

• A description of the item.

• The date and time of your visit.

• The event you attended.

• The approximate location where the item may have been left.

• Your contact details.

Providing accurate information will help us identify your property more quickly.

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4. Found Property

Items found within the theatre will, where possible, be handed to a member of theatre staff and recorded in our lost property register.

Items will be stored securely where appropriate until they are claimed or disposed of in accordance with this policy.

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5. Claiming Lost Property

Visitors claiming lost property may be asked to provide:

• A description of the item.

• Proof of ownership where appropriate.

• Identification if requested.

Montgomery Hall Theatre reserves the right to refuse to release an item where ownership cannot reasonably be established.

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6. Collection of Property

Lost property should normally be collected during the theatre's published opening hours.

Where collection by the owner is not possible, alternative arrangements may be agreed at the discretion of theatre management.

Any costs associated with returning property by post or courier must be paid by the owner in advance.

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7. Retention Period

Montgomery Hall Theatre will retain lost property for 14 days (two weeks) from the date the item is handed in.

If an item has not been claimed within this period, it will be considered abandoned.

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8. Disposal of Unclaimed Property

After the 14-day retention period has expired, unclaimed items may be:

• Disposed of.

• Recycled where appropriate.

• Destroyed where necessary.

Montgomery Hall Theatre is under no obligation to retain lost property beyond the stated retention period.

Once an item has been disposed of, it cannot be recovered.

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9. Perishable or Unsuitable Items

For health, safety and hygiene reasons, certain items may be disposed of immediately or after a shorter period.

These may include, but are not limited to:

• Food and drink.

• Perishable goods.

• Opened toiletries or cosmetics.

• Items that present a health or safety risk.

• Damaged or contaminated items.

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10. Valuable Items

Where practical, valuable items such as:

• Wallets

• Purses

• Mobile phones

• Jewellery

• Keys

• Identification documents

will be stored securely until claimed or disposed of in accordance with this policy.

Where appropriate, Montgomery Hall Theatre may contact the owner if identification is available within the item.

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11. Cash

Cash found on the premises will be recorded and stored securely.

If unclaimed after the 14-day retention period, it will be processed in accordance with the theatre's financial procedures.

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12. Liability

Whilst Montgomery Hall Theatre will take reasonable care of items handed in as lost property, we cannot guarantee the security or condition of any item.

The theatre accepts no responsibility for:

• Loss of personal belongings.

• Damage to lost property.

• Items left unattended within the venue.

• Unclaimed items disposed of in accordance with this policy.

Visitors remain responsible for their personal possessions at all times.