Lost flute near Albany's Empire State Plaza
Description
I was closing my flute case at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, June 18, outside Albany’s Empire State Plaza when I realized my flute was missing. I had stepped away for a quick phone check and came back to an empty chair. The flute is a silver-tone student model with a tiny heart etched on the head joint, and the case shows wear along the zipper. It’s carried me through years of lessons and weekend recitals, including a small charity performance downtown. I’m anxious about it turning up elsewhere in Albany, and I’ll never forget that moment of panic by the plaza. If you saw anything near the plaza or Washington Park, please note it on the site.
Approximate last-seen location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely get your item back
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the finder before meeting
- Ask them to describe a detail not shown in your listing, such as an engraving, scratch, or contents.
- Request a clear photo of the item from an angle you did not post.
- Do not pay any release, shipping, or storage fee.
- Do not share your full address until you have verified them.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.