229Seizure of evidence by authorised officer

229 Seizure of evidence by authorised officer

(1) An authorised officer who enters a public premises when the premises is open to the public may seize a thing at the premises if the authorised officer reasonably believes that the thing is evidence that is relevant to an investigation being conducted by the authorised officer.

(2) If an authorised officer enters a premises with the occupier's consent, the authorised officer may seize a thing at the premises if—

(a) the authorised officer reasonably believes that the thing is evidence that is relevant to an investigation being conducted by the authorised officer; and

(b) seizure of the thing is consistent with the purpose of the entry as specified to the occupier when asking for the occupier's consent.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the authorised officer may also seize anything else at the premises if the authorised officer reasonably believes—

(a) the thing is evidence that is relevant to the investigation; and

(b) the seizure is necessary to prevent the thing being hidden, lost or destroyed.