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

Helpful resources for Bloomington

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Bloomington

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Found holiday decorations near Monroe County Public Library

I found a tote of holiday decorations by a bench near the Monroe County Public Library in Bloomington on Friday around 6:15 PM while I was walking home from class along Kirkwood Avenue. A jumble of string lights, shiny ornaments, and a red bow looked like someone’s carefully packed stash. I figured they must belong to someone who is excited to decorate for the holidays, so I kept them safe on my apartment porch and posted here. If these are yours, I hope they bring your home a little extra cheer.

Near Monroe County Public Library 28 days ago

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Black rectangular glasses found near Bloomington Public Library

I found a pair of black rectangular glasses this morning around 10:15am behind the Bloomington Public Library on Kirkwood Ave. They’re plastic frames, matte black, with slim gold-tone hinges. Inside the left temple is an engraving: AL. The lenses have a couple of tiny scratches near the top edge and a bit of smudging on the right lens from daily wear. It seems like a mid-range pair—comfortably sturdy, not flimsy. If these belong to you, I’d be glad to help get them back; just confirm the initials and the general style.

Bloomington about 1 month ago

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Black Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones with blue sticker

I found a pair of black Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones this afternoon around 3:15pm in the Monroe County Public Library parking lot on Kirkwood Ave in Bloomington. They’re in pretty good shape and come with a gray hard-shell case that has a blue zipper and a bright blue sticker on the right ear cup. There’s a small dent on the left ear cup and a couple of tiny scratches along the headband, so you’d spot them if you see them again. I hope to return them to their owner soon—if you’re missing these, please drop me a line and we’ll arrange pickup near the library entrance.

Bloomington about 2 months ago

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Blue binder of vintage comics with Marvel sticker

I found a blue binder full of vintage comics this afternoon around 2:15pm behind the Monroe County Public Library on Kirkwood Ave. The binder is mid-sized, a bit scuffed, and there's a gold foil sticker reading 'Marvel 1977 Annuals' on the front cover. Inside are about 25-30 issues from the 60s to 80s, mostly Marvel titles with yellowed pages and a few loose cards tucked into the sleeves. A small red sticker with the initials 'LS' and a faint pencil note on the inside cover—'L.S. Bloomington'—feel like clues from a serious collector. I'm glad to help reunite it with its owner; it clearly means a lot to someone.

Bloomington 2 months ago

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Nintendo Switch with neon Joy-Cons found near Sample Gates

I found a Nintendo Switch with neon red/blue Joy-Cons this morning around 9:15am, tucked under a bench near the Sample Gates on Kirkwood Ave in Bloomington. The console is in pretty good shape, a few light scratches on the back but the screen is clean and responsive. It came in a black carrying case with a small cat sticker on the zipper, and inside there are two game cartridges labeled 'Animal Crossing' and 'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe' along with a USB-C charging cable. I’m hoping to get it back to its owner soon—if this sounds like yours, a quick message and we can arrange a meetup on or near campus.

Bloomington 3 months ago

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Navy leather handbag with pink tassel found near library

I found this handbag this afternoon around 2:15pm outside the Monroe County Public Library on Kirkwood Ave in Bloomington. It’s a medium-sized navy blue leather tote with two sturdy top handles and a gold zipper. The burgundy interior lining really pops, and there’s a pink tassel attached to the zipper pull. Inside I spotted a small leather tag embossed with the initials 'A.K.' and no ID or cards visible. It looks well-loved, and I can tell the owner would be relieved to have it back. If this sounds like yours, send me a message through the listing so we can arrange pickup at the library steps.

Bloomington 3 months ago