If any goods shall be stolen or unlawfully obtained from any person, or, being lawfully obtained, shall be unlawfully deposited, . . . F6sold, or exchanged, and complaint shall be made thereof to any of the said magistrates, and that such goods are in the possession of any broker, dealer in marine stores, or other dealer in second-hand property, . . . F6 within the metropolitan police district, it shall be lawful for such magistrate to issue a summons or warrant for the appearance of such broker or dealer, and for the production of the goods, and to order such goods to be delivered up to the owner thereof, either without any payment, or upon payment of such sum and at such a time as the magistrate shall think fit; and every broker or dealer who, being so ordered, shall refuse or neglect to deliver up the goods, or who shall dispose of or make away with the same after notice that such goods were stolen or unlawfully obtained as aforesaid, shall forfeit to the owner of the goods the full value thereof, to be determined by the magistrate: Provided always, that no such order shall bar any such broker or dealer from recovering possession of such goods by suit or action at law from the person into whose possession they may come by virtue of the magistrate’s order, so that such action be commenced within six calendar months next after such order shall be made.

And whereas doubts have arisen whether goods unlawfully deposited, pledged, pawned, or exchanged may be restored to the owner in cases of summary conviction, or where the goods are produced without the issue of any such warrant; it shall be lawful for any magistrate to order that any goods unlawfully . . . F7 exchanged, which shall be brought before him, and the ownership of which shall be established to the satisfaction of such magistrate, shall be delivered up to the owner by the party with whom they were so unlawfully . . . F7 exchanged, either without compensation, or with such compensation to the party in question as the magistrate may think fit.

This Act and the M1Metropolitan Police Act 1829 and also the M2Metropolitan Police Act 1839 shall be construed together as one Act.