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: Found holiday decorations near Boston City Hall Plaza.

FOUND: I found a tote full of holiday decorations by the edge of Boston City Hall Plaza around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, December 2. A string of warm-white lights glowed softly under the streetlight, and a red velvet garland peeked out from beneath torn tissue. A small Santa figurine rested on top. I placed the tote on a nearby bench and left a note so the owner might recognize it. The bundle includes several strings of lights, a garland, and a few ornaments. It felt like a piece of someone’s holiday season had slipped away in the evening breeze, and I wanted to help bring it back to its rightful home.

near Boston City Hall Plaza 5 days ago

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FOUND: Equipment for Various Sports in Boston

I found this Equipment for Various Sports on Friday evening, around 7:30 p.m., near the Frog Pond in Boston Common. A black gym bag sat by a bench, spilling out a basketball, running shoes, a tennis racket, and a rolled yoga mat. It looked like someone forgot it after practice, the way it all clashed together. I checked for a name tag but found nothing obvious. I brought the bag to the park’s security desk and left a note on the lost-and-found board, hoping the owner will see it here and claim it soon. It’s a small thing, but it felt like a little rescue in the middle of the city.

Frog Pond, Boston Common 10 days ago

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Found: Quilts near bench by Boston Public Library.

I was walking back from a coffee shop near Copley Square around 6:40 PM when I spotted a bundle of quilts tucked under a park bench by the Boston Public Library steps. They look handmade: one quilt with blues and creams in a starburst pattern, the other a floral patchwork with yellows and greens. The rain had started, and my heart sank thinking they might be someone’s cherished keepsakes. I picked them up, kept them close, and waited a few minutes near the bench in case the owner appeared, but no one did. They’re clearly well-loved pieces, and I hope they’ll be reunited with the people who made or cherished them.

near Boston Public Library, Copley Square. 19 days ago

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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 27 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 about 1 month 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. about 1 month ago