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

Helpful resources for Bemidji

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Bemidji

found P

Navy blue duvet cover with pine tree embroidery

I found a navy blue queen-size duvet cover this afternoon around 2:15pm near Diamond Point Park along the Lake Bemidji boardwalk. It's a soft cotton-poly blend with a smooth zipper and no rips. The top-left corner features a subtle pine tree embroidery, and there's a small white initials tag on the inner hem reading 'KB'. Overall it's in good shape, just needs a proper home. If this looks familiar, I’m happy to help reunite the owner.

Bemidji about 2 months ago

found A

Red Nike running sneakers, size 9

I found a pair of red Nike running sneakers this afternoon around 3:15pm outside the Bemidji Public Library on 3rd Street. They're size 9 and in pretty good shape, with a white sole and a small scuff on the left toe. The mesh upper is bright red, and there's a neon-green lace lock on the right shoe plus a blue reflective strip along the heel. They seem recently worn, and I figured someone might be missing them and they'd mean a lot to them. If these belong to you, I’d be happy to help return them—shoot me a note at [email protected] to arrange a pickup.

Bemidji about 2 months ago

found P

Leopard gecko with orange spots found near library

I found a small leopard gecko this afternoon around 2:30pm near the Bemidji Public Library on Beltrami Ave NW. It's about 3-4 inches long from snout to tail, tan with bright orange spots along the back and a slightly fat tail. The tail is a bit kinked at the end. One distinguishing feature is a tiny crescent-shaped scar just under its right eye, and the left hind toe looks worn. It seemed calm in the sun near the library steps, so I kept it in a plastic container and stood by the information desk to see if anyone would claim it.

Bemidji 3 months ago

found P

Blue hard-shell suitcase with red tag and dent

Found a blue hard-shell suitcase this afternoon around 2:15 pm behind the Walmart Supercenter on Paul Bunyan Drive NW in Bemidji. It’s a medium-sized case, blue with a scuffed top corner and a bright red luggage tag sticking out of the front zipper pocket. The zipper pulls are silver, one a bit bent, and there’s a faint rain smell from recent travel. I didn’t see any name tag, so I’m posting here hoping the owner sees it. If it belongs to you, we can figure out a safe way to return it.

Bemidji 3 months ago

found P

Silver hoop earrings with turquoise bead

Found these silver hoop earrings with a tiny turquoise bead on one hoop this afternoon around 3:15pm behind the Sanford Center on 3rd Street SE in Bemidji. They’re about 1 inch in diameter with a brushed finish; one hoop has a small dent near the clasp and the turquoise bead sits in the lower curve. They look worn but still in good shape. I know how upsetting it would be to lose jewelry like this, so if these belong to you, describe the bead detail or any initials on the back and I’ll arrange a safe return.

Bemidji 3 months ago

found P

Blue ID badge with lanyard found near Bemidji Library

I found a blue ID badge this afternoon around 2:45pm near the Bemidji Public Library on Beltrami Ave, by the bus stop. It’s laminated, with a small photo of a person and a blue-and-silver lanyard that has a tiny red heart charm. The back shows a 'Staff' label and a barcode. There’s a faint coffee stain on the lower edge and a sticker that reads 'Volunteer' on the back. I hope the owner sees this and can reclaim it soon; this badge probably means a lot to them and helps them get around campus and work.

Bemidji 3 months ago