Found an item? Your responsibilities

What to do when you find someone else's property — your responsibilities and how to return it safely.

Found something in Albany? Handling it responsibly protects both you and the owner. Rules vary by location, but the principles are consistent.

Make a reasonable effort to find the owner. Check for ID, contact details, or anything that identifies who it belongs to.
Don't assume it's yours to keep. Keeping found property without trying to return it can have legal consequences. When in doubt, hand it in.
Hand valuables to the authorities. Report significant or high-value finds to the police non-emergency line for Albany; they'll log it and may issue a reference.
Store it safely. Keep the item secure and unchanged while you try to return it.
Post a found listing. Add a found-item listing for Albany with enough detail for the real owner to identify it — while holding back one verifying detail.

Helpful resources for Albany

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Albany

found A

FOUND: Travel Visas in Albany, NY

On Tuesday around 8:15 PM I found a black leather folder left on a bench near Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany. Inside were travel visas, a passport-style photo, and some receipts—clearly things someone needed for an upcoming trip. I kept it safe and turned it into the plaza's information desk, hoping the owner would see this listing and realize it's safe. It felt odd, a mix of relief and responsibility, knowing someone could be boarding soon without this important paperwork. Please check this listing if you think it might be yours and reach out through the site.

Near Empire State Plaza info desk, downtown Albany 20 days ago

found P

Blue LEGO Creator set found near Albany Library

I found a blue LEGO Creator 3-in-1 box this afternoon around 3:15pm behind the Albany Public Library on New Scotland Avenue. The box is bright blue with a photo of a small city model on the front, and a few loose bricks spilled out nearby. It looks mostly complete—there's a small sticker sheet peeking from under the lid and a distinctive red 2x2 brick that stands out. The set is in good condition, just a bit dusty from sitting on the ground. It seems like it might belong to a kid who misplaced it during a visit, and I’d love to see it back with its owner.

Albany about 1 month ago

found P

Found keys with green dog charm near Capitol, Albany

I found a set of keys this afternoon around 3:15pm in Albany, on State Street near the Capitol steps. They're on a black keyring with a bright green enamel dog charm and a small red USB drive, plus a Honda Civic fob. There's a brass tag that reads 'NOVA'—a unique marker. The keys are a bit dirty from the rain but otherwise in good shape. If you recognize these, I'd love to help get them back to you.

Albany about 2 months ago

found Y

Bearded dragon found near Albany Public Library

Found a bearded dragon this morning around 9:15am near the Albany Public Library on Madison Ave. It's about 8 inches from nose to tail, tan with dark orange blotches along the back, and a slightly brighter orange beard that flares when it's excited. I spotted him tucked under a bush by the library entrance, then he wandered onto the sidewalk by the bus stop. He has a small crescent-shaped scar behind the right front leg and a faint white speck on the left eyelid—unique features that should help you identify him. If this is your pet, please get in touch; I know how stressful it is to be apart from your reptile.

Albany 3 months ago

found A

Dark violin case with bow found near Palace Theatre

Found a violin case this afternoon around 2:15pm outside the Palace Theatre on Broadway in Albany. The matte black case has a few scuffs and a sturdy latch. Inside is a student-grade Cremona violin with a worn chin rest and a bow that has a green label on the shaft. There's a small brass plaque inside the lid with the initials 'J.S.' plus a tiny exterior dent on the case near the zipper. I know how much a violin can mean to a player, and I'd really love to get it back to its owner.

Albany 3 months ago

found A

Found Seiko 5 watch near Capitol on State St

I found a Seiko 5 watch this afternoon around 3:15pm near the Capitol Building on State Street in Albany. It's a stainless steel case with a black dial and white markers, about 42mm, on a blue nylon NATO strap that's a bit frayed at the buckle. The back is engraved with 'H.T. 2016' and there are a couple of tiny scratches on the crystal, which actually give it some character. It seems to be in good working order and keeps decent time. If this is yours, I’m happy to meet somewhere near the Capitol to get it back to you.

Albany 4 months ago