272Retention and return of seized things

272 Retention and return of seized things (1) If a police officer seizes a thing under this Division (other than a thing that is the property of the State), the officer must take reasonable steps to return it to the person from whom it was seized if— (a) the reason for its seizure no longer exists; and (b) the thing is not required, or likely to be required, in connection with any investigation or proposed investigation under Part 7, 9 or 10. (2) If the thing seized has not been returned within 6 months after it was seized, the police officer must take reasonable steps to return it unless— (a) a proceeding for the purpose for which the thing was retained has commenced within that 6 month period and that proceeding (including any appeal) has not been completed; or (b) an investigation under Part 7, 9 or 10 to which the thing is relevant has commenced within that 6 month period and that investigation has not been completed; or (c) the Magistrates' Court makes an order under section 273 extending the period during which the thing may be retained.