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 Bellingham? 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 Bellingham; 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 Bellingham with enough detail for the real owner to identify it — while holding back one verifying detail.

Helpful resources for Bellingham

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Bellingham

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Found postcards in Boulevard Park, Bellingham

I found a tote bag tucked under a bench along Boulevard Park's promenade in Bellingham around 9:15 a.m. Inside were a stack of postcards—some bright travel photos, others faded with age—tied with a purple ribbon. It felt nostalgic, as if someone had poured their memories into those cards. I left the tote on the bench by the park's main entrance near the water, hoping the owner would recognize the handwriting and come back soon.

Boulevard Park, Bellingham about 6 hours ago

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FOUND: Dolls in Bellingham, Washington

On Friday at 6:30 p.m., I found a group of dolls lined up on the sidewalk outside Village Books in the Fairhaven District. One doll wore a pink dress and carried a tiny backpack, another had a ribbon in her hair—the kind of details a child would know by heart. It tugged at me to think of a kiddo who might be missing them, so I picked them up and kept them safe in a bag in my apartment. They’re waiting for their owner to claim them through the site.

outside Village Books, Fairhaven District 1 day ago

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Found shoes near Bellingham Farmers Market

I found a pair of shoes outside the Bellingham Farmers Market in Depot Market Square around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. They’re red and black running sneakers, with a scuff on the left toe and a squeaky sole that’s oddly comforting after a long day. They were tucked under a bench by Railroad Avenue close to the market entrance, looking a little faded after a busy afternoon of shoppers. I didn’t see a tag, so I kept them nearby in case the owner returns someday. I hope whoever lost them recognizes them soon.

Depot Market Square, Railroad Ave 23 days ago

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Found Nishiki Durango Racer 20 bicycle

Nishiki Durango Racer 20 bicycle. Found Monday, July 27 at 24th and Larrabee. Call to identify

Bellingham about 1 month ago

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Found two canines in Bellingham.

On Friday around 7:40 p.m., I was walking along Boulevard Park by the water when two dogs followed me, tails wagging and a friendly bark. They wore mismatched collars with no tags, and they looked a bit lost but seemed sweet, so I kept them close as cars whizzed by on the street and scanned for someone who might be missing them. I led them toward the park entrance and waited near the railing while the sun sank behind Lummi Island’s silhouette in the distance. I can imagine the worry at home, and I hope whoever owns these can see this post and recognize them soon.

Boulevard Park, near the water about 2 months ago

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Found toasters near Main Library, Bellingham

I found these two toasters outside the Main Library on Magnolia Street in downtown Bellingham at 4:15 PM on a gray Wednesday. One is stainless steel, the other matte black, their cords tangled as if someone hurried away. It struck me how everyday appliances carry someone’s plans—maybe a quick breakfast before work, or a family project gone awry. I hope the owner sees this and knows their way back here.

Outside the Main Library on Magnolia St about 2 months ago