173Return of seized things

173 Return of seized things (1) If an inspector seizes a thing under this Act, the inspector must take reasonable steps to return the thing to the person from whom it was seized if the reason for its seizure no longer exists. (2) If the thing has not been returned before the end of the retention period, the inspector must take reasonable steps to return it unless— (a) proceedings have commenced within the retention period and those proceedings (including any appeal) have not been completed; or (b) the Magistrates' Court makes an order under section 174 extending the retention period.