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

Helpful resources for Boston

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Boston

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Found: Chargers near Boston Common

This afternoon around 2:30 PM, I found a tangle of chargers under a bench on Tremont Street near the Boston Common. A backpack had tipped over while I was walking back from a coffee shop, and these little cables spilled out onto the pavement. I picked them up and left them on the bench, hoping someone would recognize them. They are a mix of USB-C and micro-USB cables, with a bright red charger among a few black cables. If these belong to you, they are safe with me until the rightful owner steps forward.

Boston Common, Tremont Street entrance 6 days ago

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Found hoops in Boston

I found a pair of hoops yesterday afternoon near the Boston Public Library at Copley Square, around 3:45 p.m. I was walking out of the library courtyard when I spotted them on the pavement by the fountain. They’re silver hoop earrings, about 1.5 inches, with a simple design. I picked them up and brought them to the local lost-and-found desk, hoping the owner would recognize them soon. It always feels strange to lose something small and personal; I figured I’d do the right thing and keep them safe until someone claims them.

Near the Boston Public Library, Copley Square 11 days ago

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Found driver's license on Copley Square sidewalk.

While out for a morning walk around 11:45 a.m., I spotted a driver's license on the sidewalk near the Boston Public Library steps on Copley Square. I picked it up and saw the owner's name, which gave me a moment of responsibility and concern. It is a reminder of how easily IDs can slip away in a busy city. I hope the owner sees this post and finds their way back to it.

Near the Boston Public Library steps, Copley Square. 14 days ago

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Black rectangular glasses with silver hinges

I found a pair of black rectangular glasses this afternoon around 3:15pm on the sidewalk outside the Boston Public Library on Copley Square, near the Boylston Street entrance. They’re matte black plastic frames with silver hinges and clear lenses that have a few tiny scratches from wear. Inside the right temple, there’s a small engraving that reads 'A.J. 02,' which could help identify the owner. I know how important these little things are for reading and daily sight, so I’m hoping to reunite them with whoever lost them—if these are yours, describe the engraving and where you last wore them.

Boston 3 months ago

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Blue-green parrotlet found near Boston Public Library

I found a small blue-green parrotlet this afternoon around 3:15pm, perched on a railing outside the Boston Public Library’s McKim Building on Boylston Street near Copley Square. It’s about the size of a robin, mostly teal with a bright yellow belly and a tiny red beak. There’s a light blue leg band on its right leg engraved with '23-AL.' It seemed friendly and hopped onto my finger for a moment before scolding at me with a chirp. I’d really hate for someone to worry about it—losing a pet bird would be awful. If this is yours, I’m happy to help arrange a meetup near the library or at a nearby vet clinic to verify ownership.

Boston 5 months ago

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Found turquoise Nintendo Switch Lite near Boston Common

I found a turquoise Nintendo Switch Lite in a black silicone case this afternoon around 2:15pm behind the Starbucks on Tremont Street, just a block from Boston Common. It's in pretty good condition, with a clean screen and only a couple of light scratches on the back plus a tiny dent near the charging port. There's a small fox sticker on the back and a blue silicone grip on the right side, which should help identify it if you own one. If this belongs to you, I’d love to help get it back—let me know a safe place to meet near Park Street Station, or we can arrange pickup nearby.

Boston 5 months ago