Identifying the owner of the seized property
4.—(1) As soon as possible after seizure, the Department shall take reasonable steps to identify the owner of the seized property.
(2) In the case of a seized vehicle the Department shall—
(a)check to whom the vehicle is registered in Northern Ireland or, if the vehicle is not registered in Northern Ireland, consult the appropriate authority in the jurisdiction shown on the vehicle’s number plate; and
(b)take all reasonable steps to ascertain whether the vehicle is subject to any hire purchase agreement.