Lost violins in Billings
Description
I was at Riverfront Park in Billings, Montana, around 6:15 pm last Thursday, getting ready for a small rehearsal near the amphitheater along the Yellowstone River walk. I left my two violins in their black case resting against a bench with the bows tucked inside. When I came back, they were gone. One fiddle has a darker wood with a shallow scratch on the neck; the other is lighter and brighter, with a chipped edge near the scroll. These instruments carry family memories and a lot of emotion. If you found them near the gazebo or along the riverfront, I’d be grateful to have them back where they belong.
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.