Life In New Orleans: ...In the course of research for our book on the
confiscation of firearms in the aftermath of the hurricane, we heard a
number of similar stories. They all followed the same vein: A citizen is
pulled over in a traffic stop. The NOPD officer takes a gun from the
citizen, and asks if the citizen has a receipt for the gun. When the
answer is no, the gun is seized, and the citizen is informed if they
will show up at a specific precinct with proof of ownership, they can
have the gun back...I spoke with two separate practicing attorneys - one
works for the state of Louisiana and the other is also a commissioned
law-enforcement officer. Both stated if the police were taking
possession of guns from motorists during any sort of investigation, and
the gun was not germane to the investigation, the seizure amounted to
theft...

http://www.louisianasportsman.com/details.php?id=1226

Wow. I'd love to see one of these victims, formally report the firearm stolen, providing proof of purchase (including serial number). Then while the ink is drying on the report, inform them that they have a lead in their own theft case...that the officer who is "Unfamiliar with the procedures for turning in a seized firearm" is the perpetrator of the theft.