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For the purposes of this chapter, the Puerto Rico Police is authorized and directed, without prejudice to any other authority which other legislation may have granted, to:\n(1) Inspect, during working hours, the Book or Register required by § 1101 of this title. Provided, That the Puerto Rico Police shall prepare and furnish a form for obtaining the information required from the persons who are bound to submit the same.\n(2) Inspect and investigate any depository or facility for storing metals subject to registration or any other vehicle in which metals are stored, concealed, retained or transported, to ascertain the accuracy of the Registry and ensure compliance with the obligation of posting the advertisements and legal warnings required under this chapter regarding the types of metals in their original and modified state, to be conspicuously and visibly displayed at all times.\n(3) Seize metals, if the person who possesses or claims to own the same is unable to provide proof of ownership, as provided in the Uniform Seizures Act, §§ 1723 et seq. of Title 34. The Police may seize for investigation for a term of thirty (30) days.

s to own the same is unable to provide proof of ownership, as provided in the Uniform Seizures Act, §§ 1723 et seq. of Title 34. The Police may seize for investigation for a term of thirty (30) days. Provided however that the notice of seizure to the person or persons with interest in the property seized shall be given within (40) days counted as of the last day of seizure for investigation that, in the case of metals unlawfully taken, stolen or missing, the actual owner thereof shall be notified, if his/her identity is known, after taking reasonable steps. Provided further that, in case ownership of the claimed property is duly justified, the seizure shall be disregarded and the property shall be returned to the owner as soon as it is no longer needed for the criminal proceeding that may be pending. The seizure process herein established shall be deemed to be an action in rem and not be subject to the results of the criminal action. The Police shall dispose of the metals as acquired property once the criminal action concludes.\n(4) Obtain from public and private corporations, municipalities and other interested natural or juridical persons, the technical and expert advice and the

roperty once the criminal action concludes.\n(4) Obtain from public and private corporations, municipalities and other interested natural or juridical persons, the technical and expert advice and the materials needed to enforce the advertisements and warnings ordered in this chapter.\n(5) Keep statistics of metal theft complaints filed under this chapter, including the clearing up thereof by Police Regions.\n(6) Conduct any investigation or task in connection with the provisions, ends, and purposes of this chapter.\nHistory —June 3, 1982, No. 41, p. 85, added as § 6 on Aug. 8, 2007, No. 105, § 7; Mar. 8, 2012, No. 53, § 7.