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 Anchorage / Mat-Su? 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 Anchorage / Mat-Su; 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 Anchorage / Mat-Su with enough detail for the real owner to identify it — while holding back one verifying detail.

Helpful resources for Anchorage / Mat-Su

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Anchorage / Mat-Su

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Found pocket watch in Anchorage

While strolling the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail this morning at 9:25, I spotted a pocket watch resting on a park bench near the entrance to the Anchorage Museum on 7th Avenue. The brass case had an old engraving and the chain was scratched from years of use. I picked it up, checked for a note, and peered around to see if anyone was looking for it, but there was no one in sight. It seems to have traveled a long way, and I’d love to see it back with its rightful owner; there’s a small story etched in its wear that deserves to be kept. If you recognize it by the engraving or by the feel of the chain, please claim it through the site.

Near the Anchorage Museum, downtown 11 days ago

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Found Driver's License in Anchorage area

I found a driver's license on the sidewalk near the Captain Cook Hotel in downtown Anchorage around 8:20 p.m. on a chilly Tuesday. The rain had just started and the city lights glinted off the wet pavement as I checked the name on the card. I imagined the person who lost it might be anxious, and I felt a surge of relief knowing it could be theirs. I kept it safe and turned it in here so the owner can reclaim it through the site.

near the Captain Cook Hotel, downtown Anchorage 13 days ago

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Gray Nike running sneakers with neon orange laces

Found a pair of gray Nike running sneakers this afternoon around 4:15pm in the Dimond Center parking lot, near the East Dimond Boulevard entrance. They're men's size 9, with a gray mesh upper, neon orange laces, and a white sole that shows light wear. The left heel has a small blue stitched patch with the initials KP, and there's a tiny coffee-stain-like mark on the inside tongue. They look lightly worn but in good condition overall. I figured someone might be missing them and I'd be glad to help return them to their owner. Happy to return them!

Anchorage / Mat-Su 5 months ago

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Black Korg minilogue xd synth found near Dimond Center

I found a black Korg minilogue xd synthesizer this morning around 10:15am in the Dimond Center parking lot behind the food court, near the Dimond Blvd entrance. It's in decent shape, with a few light scratches along the side and a tiny dent on the top-right corner from a minor bump, but all keys and knobs seem to work. The unit is in a black gig bag with a red interior, and there’s a small blue sticker on the back with the initials 'AK' for easy identification. I know gear can be pricey and important to someone, so I’m hoping to reunite it with its owner—if this sounds like yours, please reach out.

Anchorage / Mat-Su 6 months ago

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Found black wireless earbuds in a matte charging case

I found a pair of black wireless earbuds in a matte black charging case this afternoon around 2:15pm outside the Northway Mall entrance on Debarr Road in Anchorage. The case has a small silver scratch on the lid and a tiny blue sticker with 'KC' on the back, and the earbuds have gray silicone tips. They seem in good condition aside from a few fingerprints, and the charging cable is tucked inside the case. I know how important these can be, so if the owner recognizes these, we can meet near the Northway Mall information desk to return them.

Anchorage / Mat-Su 8 months ago

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Found a pair of prescription reading glasses in a black case near Lake Hood in Anchorage.

I found a pair of prescription reading glasses in a black case while I was walking my dog around Lake Hood in Anchorage. They look really nice and appear to be gently used. I've been keeping them safe, hoping to find the owner, as they must be very important to someone.

Lake Hood, Anchorage, AK, United States 8 months ago